German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has indicated that Germany could gradually increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the current budget of just over 2%. Speaking ahead of the EU Foreign Affairs Council for Defense, Pistorius outlined a plan to raise the defense budget by 0.2 percentage points annually over the next five to seven years. He emphasized the importance of initiating this process to meet NATO requirements, stating, “It’s not about 5 percent in one year… the most important thing is to start.”
Pistorius acknowledged that a defense budget of 3% of GDP would not suffice to meet NATO’s capability goals, suggesting that higher spending may be necessary. His comments align with those of Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, who recently expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump’s push to increase NATO members’ defense spending to 5%. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has also pledged to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe.
The proposed increase in defense spending comes amid growing concerns over geopolitical tensions and the need for enhanced military capabilities. Germany’s commitment to a gradual increase reflects a strategic approach to bolstering national defense while considering economic factors. The EU Foreign Affairs Council for Defense is expected to discuss this proposal further in its upcoming meeting.
