Tag: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte

Germany needs 60,000 extra troops to meet NATO targets

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius gives a press statement before the meeting of the International Contact Group (UDCG) to coordinate military support for Ukraine at NATO headquarters | Photo: Helena Dolderer/dpa

The Bundeswehr had a strength of 181,150 soldiers at the end of 2024, falling short of previous recruiting targets. NATO member states are to be assigned new national targets for their military capabilities, including weaponry, that are expected to be increased by around 30%.

Germany unveils roadmap to 5% on defence


German Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius gives a statement at the EU Defence Ministers' Meeting in Brussels | Photo: Ansgar Haase/dpa

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius outlined a plan for Germany to increase military expenditure as a ratio of gross domestic product (GDP) by 0.2 percentage points per year over a period of seven years.