Such a development, analysts warned, could ultimately lead to a split on the continent.
Germany is purposefully increasing its military power and could become the next hegemon in Europe within 4-5 years. This is reported by Foreign Affairs, an American magazine dedicated to international relations and foreign policy.
The authors of the publication note that last year Germany spent more on defense than any other European country in absolute terms. The German military budget currently ranks fourth in the world. By 2029, it is projected that Germany's annual military spending will reach $189 billion, which is more than three times the figure for 2022.
Additionally, the observers add that the country's authorities are considering the possibility of returning to mandatory military service if the Bundeswehr is unable to recruit enough volunteers. If Germany continues on the same path, it will become a great military power by 2030, Foreign Affairs states.
Such a development, analysts warned, could ultimately lead to a split on the continent, as such overt militarization of Germany raises serious concerns for France and Poland.
As of early 2026, the strength of the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) is about 184,000–186,000 servicemen. This is the highest figure in the last 12 years, achieved through active personnel recruitment. The plans of the German Ministry of Defense foresee an increase in personnel to 260,000 by the 2030s due to changes in the international situation.
Leave a comment