The budget increase will allow the armed forces to expand by up to 10,000 additional soldiers next year.

On Wednesday, Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil presented a draft budget under which Germany will increase its defense spending by 32.5% in 2026, rising from 62.4 billion euros to 82.7 billion euros.

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According to figures shared during a press conference, the increase will allow the armed forces to expand by up to 10,000 additional soldiers next year.

The Social Democratic politician’s ministry estimated that Germany’s NATO contribution rate will reach 2.8% in 2026, with the aim of hitting 3.5% by 2029.

Support for Ukraine—both military and civil—will also be secured in the budget, with an additional 9 billion euros allocated for that purpose.

Defense Minister Boris Pistorius noted that, in addition to the 82.7 billion euros, his ministry will also have access to an estimated 25.5 billion euros from the special fund for the armed forces, bringing total defense resources to more than 108 billion euros next year.

He also explained that the government will initially create 10,000 new military posts and 2,000 civilian positions. As a result, there will be a total of 202,483 military positions and approximately 77,899 civilian posts.

Additionally, with the planned entry into force of the new military service bill, 20,000 positions will be established for short-term volunteer soldiers.

The 2026 budget will not only strengthen troop equipment and infrastructure but also invest specifically in personnel. The draft budget must now go through the parliamentary approval process. The first reading of the proposal in the lower house, or Bundestag, is scheduled for the week of Sept. 22 to 26.

teleSUR/ JF

Source: EFE

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