Germany’s Military Buildup Raises Concerns in Europe

Germany’s rapid military buildup is raising concerns among some European politicians and experts, according to The Wall Street Journal. Germany plans to spend more than $500bn on its armed forces over the next decade. According to the newspaper, unease has grown as support for the Alternative for Germany (AfD) has increased.

Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski warned of where, in his view, a rearmed Germany in the hands of a far-right, pro-Russian party could lead. French left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon, meanwhile, questioned Berlin’s plan to build the largest conventional army in Europe.

Germany began significantly strengthening its military following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Last year, it awarded defense contracts worth more than three times as much as those awarded by the United Kingdom, according to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.

Germany’s procurement policy is also causing concern. Almost two-thirds of its military spending in 2025 went to German companies. Liana Fix, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, has argued for more joint European procurement, greater coordination and integration of the defense industry and joint command structures within NATO.

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