Publication

This commentary looks at the future of defense spending in Germany, particularly in light of the US’ push to have other NATO members increase their military budgets. It appears Berlin will 1) gradually increase its spending, but it will remain below the 2% of GDP desired by the Americans; 2) devote a large part of its defense budget to humanitarian aid; 3) remain reluctant to send troops abroad; and 4) continue to encourage a European approach to security, primarily by reinforcing the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).