Germany’s Chancellor Olaf Scholz has invited the leaders of the SPD and CDU/CSU parties to convene in the cabinet on Wednesday, March 5, 2025, to deliberate on the future of aid for Ukraine, ahead of the Special European Council meeting and the European defence summit scheduled for March 6, 2025.
Germany’s economic experts recommend a 400 billion euro military budget to send a so-called “Peace Through Strength” signal to Putin. They also suggest an added 400-500 billion euros for infrastructure by 2025. Ongoing discussions in Berlin focus on easing fiscal policies, particularly the “debt brake” borrowing limit, which is exactly what contributed to Chancellor Scholz’s government downfall last year.
The CDU/CSU and SPD have enough votes to pass the legislation, but time is limited as the German parliament will dissolve after March 2025. Implementing the mechanism requires an emergency funding declaration and a two-thirds majority, which the expected Conservative-Social Democrat coalition is unlikely to achieve…
Asger Risom reports for DAGENS…
Germany Weighs €900 Billion Investment Plan for Defense and Infrastructure
In times of geopolitical uncertainty, nations often reassess their defense and infrastructure policies to ensure long-term stability. Strategic investments in these areas can enhance security, modernize critical systems, and support economic resilience.
However, funding such large-scale projects requires careful financial planning to balance national priorities with fiscal responsibility.
Germany’s Ambitious Investment Plan
Germany is discussing a large-scale investment plan worth up to €900 billion to enhance its military capabilities and modernize infrastructure.
The proposal is being negotiated between the conservative CDU/CSU bloc, led by Friedrich Merz, and the Social Democrats (SPD), as they work toward forming a governing coalition.
As reported by Digi24, estimates suggest that Germany’s military requires €400 billion, while infrastructure investments could amount to €500 billion.
These funds would significantly exceed the €100 billion allocated to the military in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Avoiding a Budget Deficit Increase
One of the key challenges is financing this massive initiative without violating Germany’s constitutional “debt brake,” which limits the federal budget deficit to 0.35% of GDP per year.
To work around this restriction, the coalition parties are considering creating two special funds outside the regular federal budget.
This mechanism would require declaring an emergency, allowing the government to secure additional funding without breaching fiscal rules. However, the move would need a two-thirds majority approval in the Bundestag.
Political and Legislative Challenges
Currently, the CDU/CSU and SPD have the numbers to pass this measure, but time is running out. Germany’s current parliament will be dissolved at the end of March, and the rise of far-right and far-left parties in the new Bundestag could complicate future approvals.
Thorsten Frei, a key negotiator from the CDU, confirmed that discussions are ongoing and that a vote on the special funds could take place within weeks.
Additionally, there is growing debate over whether Germany should ease its debt brake permanently to accommodate future spending needs.
The proposed €900 billion plan reflects Germany’s shifting priorities as it seeks to reinforce national security and modernize infrastructure amid evolving geopolitical tensions.
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