Germany’s military is facing challenges as it ages and shrinks, with personnel numbers decreasing to 181,200 in 2024 and the average age rising to 34. Despite efforts to increase personnel to over 200,000 by 2031, the goal remains out of reach. While Germany met the NATO defense spending target in 2024, most of the 100-billion-euro special defense fund has already been spent, prompting discussions to overhaul borrowing rules to boost defense spending and economic growth.
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