German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) has called for an increase in defense spending of more than two percent of the country’s gross domestic product and a modification of the debt brake. “We will definitely spend more than two percent and therefore must definitely discuss a sustainable financing and an adjustment of the debt brake” Pistorius writes in a guest article for the “Sunday of the World”.
A strong commitment to military deterrence and defense has never been so important as it is today, the Defense Minister explained. “For this, we need a battle-ready German Armed Forces. A German Armed Forces that is set up in terms of personnel, equipment, and finance in a way that it can effectively defend our country.”
Germany must also take more responsibility outside of Europe. “Even if the future of Syria is uncertain, opportunities arise for us to make a contribution to a more stable, peaceful Middle East” Pistorius said.