Germany triggers defense emergency clause as Russian threat looms

Germany has asked the European Union to activate an emergency clause that would allow the country to rapidly increase its defense budget without violating the bloc’s fiscal rules.

The ongoing Russian threat and the shifting global landscape prompted German Defense Minister Jörg Kukies to send a letter to the EU, the contents of which were seen by Politico.

Under current EU guidelines, member states are allowed to raise their defense budgets by up to 1.5% of GDP annually for four years.

While some countries remain cautious about invoking this clause, Germany — which is not heavily indebted — has made rearmament one of its top priorities.

Incoming Chancellor Friedrich Merz, whose coalition government will officially take power next month, has approved a €1 trillion investment plan.

The new German government has also pledged additional weapons to Ukraine as peace talks with Russia remain at a standstill.

(QG - Source: Politico — Picture : © Unsplash)