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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.

Merz speaks at the Bundestag during its vote to remove the debt brake in Berlin, March 18, 2025.
Under the overflight of a Gendarmerie helicopter, the assault column of the First Marine Infantry Regiment advances during the Balerit joint and combined military exercise at Angouleme in the Charente department in the Nouvelle Aquitaine region of western France, on March 26, 2025. (Photo by Romuald Goudeau / Hans Lucas / Hans Lucas via AFP) (Photo by ROMUALD GOUDEAU/Hans Lucas/AFP via Getty Images)
Von der Leyen's defense plan has faced pushback from certain EU member states.
Denmark is among the European countries making changes to laws on conscription.

Overview

  • 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.