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Germany Urged to Boost Defense Spending to 5% by 2035

6/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

At the NATO summit in The Hague, Germany is urged to ramp up its defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz champions this increase, highlighting the need for stronger military capabilities despite doubts from coalition partners. Germany plans to reach 2.4% this year and 3.5% by 2029, as public backing for a European nuclear deterrent swells.

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Story summary

At the NATO summit in The Hague, Germany is urged to ramp up its defense spending from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035. Chancellor Friedrich Merz champions this increase, highlighting the need for stronger military capabilities despite doubts from coalition partners. Germany plans to reach 2.4% this year and 3.5% by 2029, as public backing for a European nuclear deterrent swells.