Bundeswehr Association sharply criticizes defense budget agreement and calls for improvements in parliament

Armed forces: houses of Parliament must rethink defense budget

Berlin (dpa) – The Bundeswehr Association is urgently calling for a revision of the defense budget and is sharply criticizing the budget agreement reached by the governing parties. According to association chairman André Wüstner, the planned increase of 1.2 billion euros is not enough to meet the current threats. This also has implications for Germany's international responsibility.

Political instability and uncertainty about the future security role of the USA make the current situation the most dangerous since the end of the Cold War, said Wüstner. The Bundeswehr was surprised and shocked by the shortfall in the defense budget, especially after statements made by the Chancellor during the Munich Security Conference.

The Bundeswehr Association is therefore calling on Parliament to re-examine the budget. The Bundeswehr's special funds have already been fully allocated and additional funds are needed to cover rising operating expenses. Without these investments, the capacity building of the arms industry threatens to collapse.

It is crucial that Parliament makes the necessary improvements, stressed Wüstner. If this does not happen, the Bundeswehr will face serious consequences. The current report on the operational readiness of the armed forces shows how far the Bundeswehr is from NATO's capability targets and how urgently action is needed.