Germany will increase by 32.5 % defense spending in 2026, from 62,430 million euros allocated in this year to 82.7 billion, according to the budgetary project presented on Wednesday by the German government.
According to the figures presented at a press conference by the Vice Chancellor and Minister of Finance, Lars Klingbeil, This increase will allow the armed forces to reinforce their ranks with up to 10,000 additional soldiers next year.
The calculation of the Ministry of Social Democratic politician includes that Germany’s contribution quota to NATO will be the next year of 2.8 %, with a view to reaching 3.5 % already in 2029.
Support for Ukraine, both military and civil, will also be guaranteed in the budget, since another 9,000 million euros will be allocated to help the country invaded by Russia.
The Ministry of Defense headed by Boris Pistorius said that at 82.7 billion euros we must add the planned expenses of about 25,500 million euros from the Special Fund for the Armed Forces, with which your department will have at your disposal more than 108,000 million euros next year.
Defense explained that 10,000 new military positions and 2,000 civilians will be created initially.
In this way, there will be a total of 202,483 military positions and approximately 77,899 civil positions.
Additionally, with the planned entry into force of the bill on the new military service, a total of 20,000 military positions for volunteer soldiers with a temporary contract will be established.
Pistorius stressed that, with the 2026 budget not only the equipment of the troop and infrastructure will be strengthened, but also specifically invested in the field of staff.
The government budget project must now be confirmed within the framework of the parliamentary procedure. The first reading in the lower house or Bundestag is scheduled in the week of September 22 to 26.
