Few countries face as many expectations as Germany, and many of these remain unfulfilled.
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Berlin has recently made a significant financial commitment that has far surpassed all prior forecasts.
This moment appears to be crucial for Europe.
The announcement by Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz yesterday, regarding hundreds of billions of euros allocated for defense, represents a transformative shift not only for Germany but for the entire continent as it confronts Russian aggression and the void left by the transatlantic alliance.
WATCH: Merz pledges "whatever it takes" to safeguard Germany.
Germany is already the largest NATO contributor in dollar terms, following the United States. However, it was notably reticent during last week's European diplomatic efforts to support Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy after his treatment by Donald Trump.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz is nearing the end of his tenure, while Merz has yet to assume office. Nevertheless, their respective parties have reached an agreement to revise years of stringent fiscal discipline by modifying the constitution to allow for increased defense and security expenditures.
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Additionally, they intend to establish a €500 billion ($536 billion) infrastructure fund aimed at enhancing transportation and energy systems.
If this proposal is approved by the Bundestag, it positions Germany to finally realize its potential as Europe's leading power in economic, political, and security matters.
The approach taken by Trump towards Europe, particularly regarding Ukraine, seems to have been a decisive factor. The US president's choice to withhold military assistance from Kyiv highlighted the significant transatlantic rift and necessitated a response, as noted by Merz.
With the removal of self-imposed fiscal limitations, Germany possesses the financial resources and some of Europe's most skilled defense manufacturers, which could effect change, though not immediately.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski once expressed that he feared German inaction more than German strength.
The dormant giant has now awakened, and all of Europe is observing its forthcoming actions.
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