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Estonia plans to raise its defense spending to 5% of GDP.
The German parliament has approved by a wide majority constitutional changes that should allow the government to boost defense spending.
The measure passed March 18 with the support of 513 legislators, with 207 voting against, easily clearing the two-thirds threshold of 489 parliamentarians backing the motion.
European countries have been moving with pace to boost defense spending, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has raised concern that the region’s wider security is at risk. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal on March 18 also said his country would aim to boost its defense spending level to 5% of GDP. Estonia is on the front line with Russia and one of several countries concerned that Russia President Vladmir Putin may extend his territorial ambitions to the Baltic states.
The change in Germany could be among the most impactful among European states because of the size of the country’s economy, defense industry officials have said. The measures partially suspend debt limits so the country can invest more in defense and provide support to Ukraine. The easing of the so-called debt break allows Germany to boost investments in defense, intelligence services, cybersecurity, civil security and support for countries that have been illegally attacked. The political deal was set in motion by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and growing concerns in Europe in recent weeks that the U.S. may no longer be a reliable security guarantor.
The likely head of the next German government, Friedrich Merz, said the money would underpin an effort to rebuild defense capabilities, in some cases from scratch. That would include a technology focus, embrace of automation, independent European space surveillance capabilities, and use of armed drones. New contracts, where possible, should go to European industry, he said in the parliamentary debate ahead of the vote.
During the debate, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius called it an historic move and said the government would pursue steps to speed arms procurements.
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