German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for significant increases in European defense spending, urging nations to reduce reliance on the United States. Emphasizing that U.S. support is not a guarantee for the future, Merz outlined plans for Germany to raise its defense spending from 2.4% of GDP this year to 3.5% by 2029. A recent poll indicates that two-thirds of Germans support establishing a European nuclear deterrent independent of the U.S., signaling a notable shift in public sentiment regarding defense and international security.
"We Europeans must become stronger on our own," said Merz, stressing the necessity for Europe to invest in defense and reduce reliance on American support.
Merz emphasized that "US tolerance of low European defense spending will not continue," indicating a shift in transatlantic expectations.
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