European defense: Germany plans record budget, France under pressure
The European defense landscape is undergoing a major transformation. While France has long been considered the continent's leading military power, Germany is preparing to change the game. The German government has unveiled a draft budget for 2027 that provides for a massive increase in military spending.
According to this plan, Berlin is expected to allocate 110 billion euros to its military in 2027. This represents a spectacular 33% increase compared to the 2026 forecasts. With this investment, Germany far exceeds France's financial capabilities in terms of defense, marking a historic shift in the distribution of roles between the two countries.
Traditionally, France held a central position militarily, while Germany focused more on its economic power. This new balance worries some experts, who believe that France "falling behind" is now possible. Paris's ability to maintain its influence in the face of a German neighbor that has become Europe's top military investor is now at the heart of the debate.
This change in Berlin's strategy comes in an unstable international context. Faced with current threats, Germany is seeking to strengthen its autonomy and its presence within NATO. This decision now forces France to rethink its own budgetary strategy in order to remain competitive on the European and global stage.