German Defense Minister Calls for €30 Billion Budget Increase by 2028

Boris Pistorius argues for long-term military investment, while political leaders debate funding strategies amid NATO demands.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has proposed increasing Germany's defense budget by €30 billion annually starting in 2028, citing the need to exceed NATO's 2% GDP spending target.
Pistorius suggests a long-term plan to raise defense spending to 3% of GDP, equating to over €120 billion annually, to address evolving security threats and modernize military capabilities.
Green Party leader Robert Habeck supports higher defense spending but advocates funding it through new debt rather than cuts to social programs or tax increases.
The debate gains urgency as NATO allies, including the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump, push for higher military contributions, with Trump proposing a controversial 5% GDP target for member states.
Critics, such as BSW leader Sahra Wagenknecht, argue that Germany's military issues stem from inefficiencies and procurement challenges rather than insufficient funding.