Germany has reaffirmed its commitment to NATO’s 2 percent target for defense spending, according to a spokesperson from the Defense Ministry. However, the country’s approach to calculating defense expenditure extends beyond the annual defense budget.
In addition to the defense budget, Germany includes certain expenditures from other departments in its defense spending total sent to NATO. This encompasses costs from the Foreign Office, Chancellery, and the Ministry of Finance. Unfortunately, the exact amount of these additional expenditures remains classified.
Camille Grand, a former NATO assistant secretary-general, explained that although NATO’s calculation excludes most mobility expenditure, the NATO Security Investment Programme does cover certain infrastructure requirements. For example, it may involve modernizing an air base or constructing a warehouse.
Interestingly, alliance members have the flexibility to allocate funds towards various objectives as long as there is mutual agreement. In practice, the EU, particularly the European Commission’s transport department, DG MOVE, is expected to take the lead in military mobility efforts. Under the current multiannual financial framework, DG MOVE has already begun investing modestly in meeting military mobility requirements.
Recognizing the urgent need for improvement, the German Council on Foreign Relations proposed the establishment of a national fund. This fund, amounting to at least €30 billion, would be dedicated to the necessary upgrades of Germany’s vast network of railways and highways. These improvements are crucial for enabling the seamless movement of tanks and troops across the country.
Germany’s approach demonstrates a more holistic perspective on defense spending, recognizing that investment in infrastructure and mobility capabilities is equally vital for strengthening national and collective defense efforts. By considering a broader range of expenditures, Germany aims to ensure that its defense capabilities are not solely defined by the annual defense budget, but also by substantial improvements in military mobility and infrastructure.