In his first exposé before the Bundestag, the fresh German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced an ambitious imagination of the country's future. At the heart of his speech were 3 main pillars of policy: security, prosperity and social unity.
But this 1 passage of the speech attracted peculiar attention both in Germany and beyond their borders: the declaration that the Bundeswehr is to become the strongest conventional army in Europe.
Merz pointed out that the strengthening of the Bundeswehr stands first. His government, created by the CDU and the SPD, plans to make available all the essential financial resources to accomplish this objective. In parallel, a peculiar infrastructure fund worth EUR 500 billion has been announced — from which as many as 150 billion are to be utilized in this term. A large part of these measures are due to go to the Bundeswehr.
Merz is not afraid of strong words or unequivocal declarations. He said, "We must be able to defend ourselves so as not to gotta defend ourselves" became the mantra of the fresh government's safety policy.
Bundeswehra 2025: NATO's weak link
Germany has for years failed to meet its commitments to NATO on the level of defence spending. In 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz announced the alleged "Zeitenwende" — a breakthrough change in defence policy that assumed a financial injection for the Bundeswehr. However, despite announcements, modernisation has progressed slow and many problems stay unresolved.
At present, the Bundeswehr has about 181,000 soldiers — much little than the 203,000 to 2031. It is estimated that only about half the units are ready to act. There is simply a deficiency of modern equipment, ammunition, and even basic elements of equipment like helmets or bulletproof vests.
On the another hand, the air and armored fleet faces an emergency and outdated technology. Even the acquisition of modern F-35 fighters or Patriot systems is not able to rapidly repair the situation in which the logistics and morale of the army are critically low.
Political and historical context: The burden of the German past
It is impossible to analyse Merz's ambitious plans without referring to German history. For many neighbors, especially Poland, France, and the Czech Republic, the spectrum of a strong German army raises legitimate concerns. Although Merz declares his full commitment to NATO and support for Ukraine, the question remains: does Europe truly want Germany as a military leader?
Merz stresses that Germany is not and will not be a organization to the war in Ukraine, but at the same time are not a "neutral observer". It points to the request for strategical independency of Europe, peculiarly in the context of Donald Trump's possible return to power in the US and the decline in American commitment to the safety of the continent.
However, what is reasonable for any to respond to the crisis can be a frightening signal to others: will Germany not usage this chance to take over the function of a dominant military player in the EU? French commentators already mention to Merz as "a fresh Erhard with a helmet", and representatives of the Italian government talk of "the request for balance and control".
W Germany's opposition and social organizations are not silent either. The Left and Greens criticise the scale of arms spending, pointing to the request for investment in housing, public wellness and energy. In turn, trade unions inform against "militarisation of the budget at the expense of social welfare".
Economy and taxes: all for the army?
Merz besides announces taxation cuts, simplification of bureaucracy and infrastructure investments, but does not hide that all of this will be financed from debt.
"We must usage these opportunities carefully," he stressed, stressing that debt means the request for future repayment.
This means a political dilemma: will Germany be able to keep the balance between military ambitions and social needs? past teaches that not always.
Chancellor Merz made a promise to Germany: security, prosperity and pride from his own country. But his words have a weight far beyond German boundaries. The construction of the most powerful army in Europe by a state with specified a hard military past must be the subject of careful observation, not unreflective enthusiasm.
Europe needs Germany strong but besides predictable. besides much concentration of force in 1 country — even democratic — always creates a hazard of abuse. Therefore, the improvement of the Bundeswehr must take place within NATO, with full transparency and consultation with partners. due to the fact that a strong army isn't just tanks and planes. It is besides responsibility, past — and trust.
