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German Chancellor Commits to Increasing Defense Budget for NATO, Reinforces Plan for Military Backbone of European Defense

As part of a major policy shift in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Chancellor Olaf Scholz pledges to achieve NATO spending target of 2% GDP and boost military cooperation with France and Spain, committed to making Germany the 'backbone' of the European defense.

Overview

  • German Chancellor Olaf Scholz commits Germany to achieving the NATO's spending target of 2% of GDP even after a special 100 billion euro ($106 billion) defense fund has been exhausted.
  • Scholz underlines Germany's commitment to the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) fighter jet project with France and Spain, countering reports that Germany could abandon the deal due to disputes over design and finances.
  • Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius underscore a major shift in Germany's defense policy known as 'Zeitenwende' in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, seeking to make their country the 'backbone' of European defense.
  • Germany is set to accelerate reforms in its military bureaucracy as part of its ongoing overhaul, aiming to make the military force more prepared for defending Germany and its allies, including plans to speed up the procurement of new equipment.
  • Germany has identified Russia as the primary long-term threat to peace and security for Germany and its European allies, prompting this policy shift and reorientation of the Bundeswehr.