How ready are Germans to defend Europe?

Update: 2025-06-13

Description

Half of Germans back Chancellor Merz's pledge to spend 5% of GDP on defense. And the other half?! And how comfortable are Germany's European partners with the new German leadership style that includes sweeping commitments to arm up? DW's top correspondents Michaela Küfner and Nina Haase in Berlin and Alexandra von Nahmen at NATO HQ in Brussels analyze what Merz' pledges will mean in real terms.

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