Practical information
Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Chancellor Scholz announced a “Zeitenwende” (turning point), whose main goal is to adapt the German foreign and security policy to the new geostrategic context.
In the field of defense, the declared objective is to make the Bundeswehr the most effective army in Europe. To this end, Chancellor Scholz announced the creation of a one-time special fund of 100 billion Euros for defense procurement as well as an increase in the defense budget to 2 % of GDP.
How to assess the impact of this financial surge for the German forces in the light of the political discussion in the German parliament? Beyond the financial resources, what are the most critical issues to be tackled in order to secure a stable and efficient modernization process?
Moderation
Éric-André Martin, Secretary General of the Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), Ifri.
Speakers
Paul Maurice, Research Fellow, Study Committee on Franco-German Relations (Cerfa), Ifri.
Torben Schütz, Associate Fellow, German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP)’s Security and Defense Program.
Replay of the videoconference:
The day prior to the debate, registered participants will receive the link to join the session.
Related Subjects
Other events
Assessing the Balance of Power between Europe and Russia
The evolving U.S. strategic posture and the intensification of the war in Ukraine are reshaping the security landscape in Europe. This context calls for a clear assessment of the balance of power between Europe and Russia.
Europe in turbulence: navigating a new world order without the United States?
The foundations of the post-1945 international order, long anchored by U.S. leadership, are shifting. Amid intensifying geopolitical rivalry, democratic backsliding, and strategic fatigue in Washington, the question arises: what if the United States no longer plays its pivotal role in international security? Simultaneously, the Global South is asserting new political and economic agency, complicating the old binaries of West vs. Rest. For Europe, this landscape is both a challenge and an inflection point.
The future of space cooperation in the new strategic context
The policy orientations of the Trump II administration profoundly challenge the foundations of international cooperation in space science and exploration. This shift reflects a broader trend of strategic disengagement and weakening of multilateral mechanisms in the space domain.