DIE WELT
The German Military is a Potemkin Village, and Will Stay One
February 02, 2018
Photo Credit: Joerg Huettenhoelscher / Shutterstock
Based on the preliminary coalition agreement, they argue that the Bundeswehr’s level of operational readiness will remain low. The agreement only supports increasing defense spending by approximately 250€ million per year.
Based on the preliminary coalition agreement, they argue that the Bundeswehr’s level of operational readiness will remain low. The agreement only supports increasing defense spending by approximately 250€ million per year. This is far from the levels of funding required in order for Germany to meet NATO’s 2 percent objective. President Trump’s criticism of Germany’s defense spending may be one reason there is not a larger commitment. Trump’s criticisms have made it difficult for the German government to increase defense spending, because any significant increase would give the impression that Germany yielded under President Trump’s pressure.