German Bundestag lifts military budget restrictions: Will a 'European defense community' be established?

12punto FOREIGN NEWS

The German Federal Parliament (Bundestag) has passed a bill that provides for a significant increase in defense and infrastructure spending. In the vote held on Tuesday, a two-thirds majority of lawmakers approved the bill. International media noted that the decision brings about a 'radical change' in Germany's defense policies. The legislative amendment is considered a step that could reshape Europe's security strategies as well.

It was announced that the law would exempt defense and security spending from the country's strict debt rules. According to the decision, Germany will establish a 500 billion euro infrastructure fund. This fund will be used to renovate physical infrastructure such as bridges and roads, and to finance measures to combat climate change.

According to a report by BBC News, the vote was of great importance due to rising security concerns in Europe following Russia's attacks on Ukraine and the US's uncertain stance toward NATO. The BBC described this move as a 'historic turning point,' considering Germany's traditionally cautious approach to borrowing.

The Federal Council (Bundesrat) must also approve the bill for it to enter into force. Representatives of state governments in the Bundesrat will evaluate the bill in a vote to be held on Friday.

CDU/CSU Chairman Friedrich Merz

'A WONDERFUL DEVELOPMENT FOR ALL EUROPEANS'

Germany had long limited its defense spending to 0.35 percent of GDP. With the new law, defense spending will be able to exceed 1 percent of GDP and will not be subject to borrowing restrictions. It was stated that the change would provide significant resources to the 'country's armed forces, which need to be modernized.'

Friedrich Merz, who is expected to be Germany's new chancellor, stated in his speech before the vote that the country had been living in a 'false sense of security' in recent years. Merz said, 'The decision we made today is the first major step toward a new European defense community.'

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen interpreted the vote as 'excellent news.' Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that this decision was 'a wonderful development for all Europeans.'

Under the law, aid to states subjected to attacks that violate international law was also removed from the scope of the debt brake. This regulation paved the way for Germany to provide 3 billion euros in aid to Ukraine.

In the vote, 513 lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, while 207 voted against it. The far-right AfD and the Left Party (Die Linke) were the groups that opposed the bill.

News Source: 12punto