Germany has achieved NATO’s goal of spending 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on defense in 2024. This is the first time since 1992 that Germany has exceeded this mark. In doing so, Germany is fulfilling a long-standing demand from the United States and other NATO partners, who have demanded more commitment from Europe’s largest economy.
The increase in defence spending is part of the German government’s strategy to strengthen security and stability in Europe and beyond. In recent years, Germany has expanded its military capabilities, increased its participation in international missions and deepened its cooperation with other NATO members and partners. Germany has also taken a leading role in the development of a common European defence policy to complement NATO.
The Federal Government emphasizes that the achievement of the 2% target is not an end in itself, but an expression of the responsibility and solidarity that Germany bears as a member of the transatlantic alliance. The German Government is committed to the principle that burden-sharing within NATO cannot be measured by a single indicator, but that other factors such as the quality, efficiency and operational readiness of the armed forces must also be taken into account.
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The German government is aware that the increase in defence spending also requires a social debate about Germany’s role in the world. The Federal Government is therefore committed to a broad dialogue with citizens, parliament, the media and civil society organizations in order to promote understanding and support for German security and defence policy.
Germany’s role in the development of a common European defence policy has been multifaceted and constructive. Germany has supported the creation and enhancement of various EU defence instruments and initiatives, such as the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), the European Defence Fund (EDF) and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD). Germany has also participated in numerous EU military and civilian missions and operations, ranging from peacekeeping in Bosnia and Kosovo to training in Mali and Somalia. Germany has also advocated for a stronger strategic dialogue and cooperation between the EU and NATO, as well as for a more inclusive and balanced transatlantic partnership.
However, Germany’s role in the development of a common European defence policy also faces some challenges and limitations. Germany’s constitutional and political constraints limit its ability to deploy military forces abroad and to increase its defence spending. Germany’s public opinion is often skeptical or indifferent towards EU defence matters and prefers NATO as the primary security provider.
Germany’s bilateral and multilateral relations with other key actors, such as France, the UK, Turkey and Russia, are sometimes strained or divergent on various security issues. And Germany’s vision of a common European defence policy is not always shared or supported by other EU member states, who have different threat perceptions, strategic cultures and interests.
Despite these challenges, Germany’s role in the development of a common European defence policy remains crucial and positive. Germany has shown leadership and initiative in advancing the EU defence agenda, especially during its presidency of the Council of the EU in 2020.
Germany has also demonstrated pragmatism and flexibility in finding compromises and solutions among diverse and sometimes conflicting views and preferences within the EU. And Germany has maintained its loyalty and solidarity with NATO, while seeking to enhance the complementarity and coherence between the two organizations.
Germany has taken a leading role in the development of a common European defence policy to complement NATO, because it believes that this is in its own interest, as well as in the interest of Europe and the transatlantic community.
Germany’s role is not without challenges or limitations, but it is also not without achievements or potential. Germany will continue to play an important and constructive role in this endeavor, as long as it remains committed to its values, principles and partners.
The German Government is convinced that Germany can only be a credible and reliable partner if it defends its interests and values by both diplomatic and military means.