Germany urges France to boost defense spending, emphasizing the need for European self-reliance. As the transatlantic relationship faces challenges, Johann Wadephul, Germany's foreign minister, calls on France to match its rhetoric with action. Wadephul highlights the importance of European sovereignty and argues that countries must back up their words with concrete measures. This comes as Nato member states strive to meet the 5% GDP defense spending target by 2035, with Wadephul noting that France's efforts have been insufficient. Germany, meanwhile, has made significant defense investments, exempting most expenditures from its debt brake and allocating over €500 billion for defense between 2025 and 2029. However, the Franco-German alliance, traditionally a driving force in EU cooperation, is facing friction. Germany rejects Macron's calls for pooled debt, and there's discord over a next-generation fighter jet and an EU trade deal with South America. Germany's chancellor, Friedrich Merz, warns of Russia's threat and calls for US re-engagement in mutual security commitments. Merz also discusses potential nuclear cooperation with France, but Germany's ruling coalition remains divided on the issue. Wadephul and other German officials caution against Europe developing its own nuclear defense, citing the existing global nuclear arsenal and the US's commitment to protecting Europe. The article concludes with a joint appeal by British and German military leaders for public support in rearmament against the threat of Russian aggression.
