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Europe Rethinks Defense Strategy as Germany Ends Debt Brake

European nations are ramping up defense spending and pursuing strategic autonomy in response to U.S. disengagement and NATO uncertainty.

  • Germany has scrapped its constitutional 'debt brake,' unlocking up to €600 billion for military investment over the next decade.
  • France is exploring extending its nuclear umbrella to European allies, signaling a push for strategic autonomy in defense.
  • Eastern European nations, including Lithuania and Poland, are bolstering defenses by withdrawing from treaties on landmines and cluster munitions.
  • Divisions persist within the EU on defense funding, with countries like Spain and Italy opposing proposed mechanisms for collective military investment.
  • The Trump administration’s closer ties with Russia and reduced NATO support have heightened Europe's urgency to reduce reliance on U.S. military protection.
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