German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, a proponent of increased defense spending, rejects US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed 5% GDP NATO defense spending target as unrealistic.
In a Funke media group interview, Habeck deemed Trump’s 5% target unattainable. Trump, in comments highlighting disparities in NATO defense spending, asserted that European nations could afford a 5% increase, given the substantial US contribution.
Habeck advocates for a more moderate 3.5% medium-term goal, a figure he aligns with ongoing NATO discussions. He stresses the necessity of heightened European defense investment in response to evolving security threats.
“3.5% is roughly what is currently being discussed in NATO as a medium-term goal,” he stated, highlighting the need for greater European investment in defense due to the evolving security landscape.
Habeck, the Green Party’s chancellor candidate in upcoming elections, proposes funding this increase via dedicated defense funds or debt limit reforms, without budgetary cuts. He envisions this increase as temporary.
“If we have achieved a reasonable state for Germany’s security in a few years, then we will be able to reduce spending again,” he explained.
Trump’s proposal has ignited debate. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz outright rejected it, citing the undue financial burden on citizens. CDU leader Friedrich Merz also dismissed the specific percentage, emphasizing the importance of meeting Germany’s defense requirements.
“The 2, 3, or 5% (targets) are basically irrelevant. The decisive factor is that we do what is necessary to defend ourselves,” Merz told Bayerischer Rundfunk.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte suggested a minimum 4% target, acknowledging even this may be insufficient for complete modernization. Rutte also urged streamlined access to US military equipment for European members, noting delays due to Congressional and Pentagon approvals.