The German Defence Ministry says military spending of 2% of GDP is insufficient.

According to RIA Novosti, during a visit to the Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems shipyard in Wismar on January 17, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany's military spending is insufficient, falling short of the 2% of GDP threshold common among NATO member states.

At the same time, Mr. Pistorius emphasized that percentage figures are not as important as meeting specific targets to enhance deterrence capabilities.

"This should be the guiding principle for all of us. And if defense spending is to reach 3%, then it has to reach that level or more. The important thing is the target," said Minister Pistorius.

In December 2024, the team of US President-elect Donald Trump announced to European officials that the new US administration would require each NATO member to commit 5% of their GDP to defense spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted that defense spending would be significantly higher than the current target of 2%.

Conversely, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz pointed out that the 5% GDP target would mean Germany would spend approximately 200 billion euros on defense annually. At the same time, the federal budget currently stands at around 490 billion euros.

Furthermore, as the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated that he wants the conflict in Ukraine to end as early as 2025.

“I wish this could be done this year, we’ll see if that’s possible,” Prime Minister Scholz said at a Social Democratic Party election event in Wolfsburg on January 17, commenting on the possibility of ending the Ukraine conflict.