Security correspondent
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The German parliament has approved a significant increase in spending for defense and infrastructure, marking a transformative change for the nation that may alter the landscape of European defense.
On Tuesday, a two-thirds majority of members in the Bundestag supported this historic vote.
This legislation will exempt defense and security spending from Germany’s stringent debt limitations and establish a €500 billion ($547 billion; £420 billion) infrastructure fund.
This pivotal vote is a major shift for traditionally fiscally conservative Germany, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine and the wavering commitment from the US to NATO and European defense.
Despite the requirement for a two-thirds majority, lawmakers passed the change with 513 votes in favor and 207 against.
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However, state representatives in the Bundesrat must also give their approval by a two-thirds majority for the legislation to take effect, with that vote scheduled for Friday.
Friedrich Merz, who is expected to assume the chancellorship, conveyed that Germany has “had a false sense of security” in recent years and termed this vote a significant step toward establishing a new European defense community that extends beyond EU members.
Managing debt has long been a sensitive issue for Germany, influenced by its historical context and the global financial crisis of 2009.
The approved measure indicates that any defense expenditure exceeding 1% of GDP will no longer face borrowing limits, which currently stand at 0.35%. This fundamental shift could revitalise the military amidst Europe’s escalating uncertainties.
