Is Berlin on the path to becoming a major military power? | DW Business

Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Germany has been undergoing a period of intense soul searching as it re-evaluates its responsibility in the area of defense. In a groundbreaking address to parliament just days after the invasion began, Chancellor Olaf Scholz declared a "watershed moment" - marking a fundamental shift in how Germany sees its role in the world. DW Business speaks to defense analyst Katarina Engberg, who formerly served as Sweden's representative to NATO and the European Union.

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[SwExHD]

Bring in this analyst more often for these kinds of topics!

Very satisfied with how clear and articulate she is!

[hugodesrosiers-plaisance]

Ms Katarina Enberg is an absolute BEAST. She answers every question with rigorously thought out answers, and is never afraid to say what she means to say.
DW, you have been interviewing many experts who have shown themselves to be rock solid. Please have Ms Katarina Enberg on your shows more often. She is THE SHJT.❤
EDIT: Ms Enberg is the first expert I have seen that is willing to openly discuss how the UK and France are the only two real nuclear powers to face off with Russia

[prismpyre]

Have some faith in yourself, Germans-- you are not the same nation you were a century ago. It is admirable that you have always maintained a minimal military posture until now, out of fear of reverting to your old ways of martial culture and territorial expansion and national (and/or ethnic) chauvinism. You still have lots of room to improve like we all do, but today if anything I think it is fair to say that Germany is a *MUCH* more democratic nation than the USA is. And *we* are the ones who should fear being controlled by our military complex-- you actually arrested the fascists in your military like sane rational people. My point is- you have grown and matured as a society and while you must remain ever-vigilant you should not be so fearful of yourselves, so long as you continue to maintain a robust democratic system and actually protect and enforce your constitutional laws and norms as you do.

[AngeloXification]

Defense industry is having an AMAZING decade

[chrissheppard]

Brilliant guest I am from UK but I am European and we must fight for our freedoms and peace

[LeonardTavast]

I hope Germany becomes on par with the UK and France in terms of military might. A strong alliance with Poland can make the Baltic sea region more stable.

[robertharper]

At the very least Germany would have to be able to fully arm, equip, and have ready the forces they're already supposed to have, which they are not able to do currently.

[shockwave]

Now as a former German soldier I can say "It's complicated". In the past decades, politics and German society have relied heavily on US protection. After the fall of the Wall, German politics saw no importance in a high military budget. It must be said that reunification was a massive effort and very expensive, so it was very convenient to invest the military budget in reconstruction projects. Socially, the army was already stigmatized by the two wars and was “an unloved child”.
Today the situation is different, the German economy is in a state of transformation (and very poorly implemented and communicated). In addition, there is an aggressor in the East (Russia) who wants his empire back and wants to cut off a large piece of the European pie. At the moment, German society is struggling with everything, the economy in transition, German support for Ukraine and the rebuilding of the army. In my opinion, a strong Germany in Europe would be more important than ever for Europe.
France's request to establish a European nuclear facility is a poisonous proposal, as France is currently renewing its arsenal at a very expensive cost and France probably thinks that the rest of Europe should also pay for this renewal and receive French protection in return. Great Britain is highly dependent on the USA (as described). In my opinion, Germany should develop atomic bombs itself and form a triad with France and Great Britain to provide Europe with a deterrent against Russia and others.
However, this is even more complicated, because what would people living in Eastern Europe and the Baltic Sea think of it? In Poland alone, alarm bells would sound. The question arises "would Europe even want Germany to be a nuclear power?"
There are also contradictory statements from German politicians. A Roderich Kiesewetter (CDU) recently called for a Bundeswehr budget of an additional 330 billion. On the subject of Germany's nuclear armament, he would rather rely on the USA and argues that a German nuclear power would cost five times more than it does today. My question is “What do you want now?” A more independent Europe or an uncertain protection of America? It is almost impossible to discuss this topic socially.

[jonatandehnisch]

As a scandinavian, All I can say the entire european security and the idea of the free and democratic Europe relies on a strong German military. Other strong countries like Sweden, Poland, France etc needs to contribute with their share but Germany must take the lead.

[NorthEastSaskFarmer]

So proud of Germany, as a Canadian of German lineage. Well done Germany, well done. If only my country would step it up

[Mrdresden]

It's time for Europe to take matters in its own collective hands. That goes for every nation in the union. Collectively we could become more self sustainable in terms of security.

[johntucker]

Interesting discussion. I had not heard of the German "debt brake" before. Apparently it is a constitutionally-mandated limit on (new?) net debt borrowing to .35% of GDP. The debt brake can be suspended by action in the German parliament, which has been done each of the past five years. But the debt brake is currently back in force for 2024. As Katarina Engberg points out, the debt brake in its current form will inhibit the German government from spending what is required in order to shoulder more of the burden of defending Germany itself and Europe at large. Of the largest economies in Europe, Germany has the lowest debt to GDP ratio of ~67% so additional debt can be taken on if the debt brake is dealt with.

[longhaulblue]

Great interview. I enjoyed listening to Ms. Engberg. She is clear thinking, honest, and obviously has a lot of knowledge and experience on this subject. Please have her back again.

[iska]

Seems like we need a Swede to teach us Germans some common sense on world politics. I really cannot understand how naive the German public has been in the last decades regarding defense.

[samuels]

All EU members should build up their capabilities similar of that of Finland or Israel i.e. a strong army + army of reserves which can be battle ready within 48 hrs. Putin's aim is to change the world order and he has decided to start from Ukraine.

[AlbertMark-nbzo]

This is a great post. It's a mature insight into the various factors of resource allocation, economics of defense capability with respect to not only Germany but to other countries in the world.

[guangdali]

Hey, if the uniforms are as cool but you the good guys this time round. noiice.

[davidshermanlittle]

Thank you Germany for increasing your defense spending and responsibility. EU needs you! And so does the USA.

[talesofcanterbury]

Germany has a fine military, I hope they will continue to prosper.

[cprotti]

Ótimo conteúdo como de praxe. Entrevistada com clareza e amplo conhecimento do assunto. Parabéns.