Pistorius on Putin's attack: We must be able to wage war
Photo: German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (Getty Images)
If Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin attacks Germany, the country must be prepared for war, requiring a defense budget of approximately €90 billion annually, states German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius for Spiegel.
"From 2028, we will need a defense budget of at least €80 billion, more likely €90 billion per year, to meet the demands arising from the heightened security situation. If Putin attacks, we must be able to wage war," he said.
According to him, if Germany funds the necessary defense expenses from its regular budget, it will "stifle the state’s ability to act, jeopardize social security, and thus strengthen extremist parties."
Trump's demands on NATO defense spending
At the same time, Germany could face even higher costs due to NATO.
During private discussions, future president Donald Trump urged NATO partners to increase their defense budget from 2% to 5% of their economic output.
In fact, NATO allies are already discussing raising the target spending. However, many governments are concerned about the difficult fiscal decisions this will require.
