Germany plans to increase its defense spending in response to US President Trump’s call for NATO members to achieve a 5% GDP target, as Chancellor Friedrich Merz aims to transform the Bundeswehr into Europe’s strongest military. Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul indicated that Berlin is considering a proposal from NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, advocating for a 3.5% focus on hard military spending by 2032, supplemented by 1.5% for related expenses like infrastructure. Merz has committed to removing the borrowing cap for defense and investing heavily in modernization efforts.
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Brussels should not be shocked by Trump being Trump
US President Trump's tariff threats have tested the EU's trade policy capabilities, revealing both successes, like a political agreement with Indonesia, and failures in its approach to negotiations with the US. The EU's traditional methods are ineffective against Trump's unpredictable style, reflecting a deeper struggle within its institutional structure and reliance on the automotive industry. Explain It To Me Like I'm 5: The article talks about how the EU is struggling to handle trade talks...
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