The German government is abandoning its intention to enshrine in law its commitment to allocate 2 percent of its gross domestic product annually in line with the NATO target, Reuters reported, citing a source, BTA informed.
The corresponding article in the budget financing bill approved today by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s office was removed shortly before today’s cabinet meeting, the source said.
The change means that Germany will be able to continue to meet the target as before – gradually over a period of up to five years.
The wording is softer than the pledge Scholz made on February 27 last year, three days after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, when he announced a Zeitenwende (turning point) in government policy on defense spending.
“From now on, we will spend more than 2 percent of GDP on our defense every year,” the chancellor said at the time.
A German government spokesman declined to comment on details of the bill.
NATO allies have in the past criticized Berlin for not spending 2 percent of its gross domestic product annually on defense.
It is also unclear whether Germany will keep its military spending above that threshold when the 100 billion euro special fund to bring the Bundeswehr’s capabilities up to alliance standards is used up.
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2023-08-16 15:02:02
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