German rearmament raises European concerns; Berlin tries to reassure neighbors

Germany is preparing for a major shift in its defense capabilities, with plans to increase military spending and strengthen the German army, amid Europe's decreasing reliance on the American security umbrella and rising concerns over the Russian threat.

However, the German ambition to build the strongest conventional army in Europe simultaneously raises questions among a number of European countries, especially France, Poland, and the smaller neighboring states, which view the return of German military power to the center of the European scene with caution.

The sensitivity increases as Chancellor Friedrich Merz announces his intention to provide the necessary resources for the German armed forces, at a time when German defense spending may reach about 150 billion euros annually by 2029, according to estimates mentioned in the article.

Paris is concerned about Berlin's rise

In France, there are growing concerns that German military superiority could shift the balance of power within Europe, especially with the stalling of some joint defense projects between the two countries, including the Future European Fighter Aircraft project.

French experts believe that Berlin’s increasing focus on national defense projects, along with the ambiguity of its vision regarding the future of European military cooperation, may undermine Paris’s ambition to build European defense autonomy that relies more on European capabilities and is less dependent on the United States.

Observers also fear that German rearmament could become an electoral issue exploited by the right and far-right, especially in France, Poland, and Italy, to stir up fears of German dominance over Europe.

Berlin tries to contain concerns

Conversely, the German government is moving to present rearmament as a European project rather than an attempt to build an independent German power.

Berlin seeks to expand military cooperation with France, Britain, and other European countries, while Germany and France have announced plans for joint exercises involving German forces and French nuclear forces, in a move aimed at demonstrating that the strengthening of German capabilities is being carried out within a common European framework.

Berlin is also strengthening defense cooperation agreements with its partners, including Britain and France, and is working on joint projects in the field of armaments and military equipment.

The need for a strong German army versus fears of dominance

Supporters of German rearmament believe that the continent cannot afford the luxury of objecting to the increase of Berlin's military capabilities at a time when Europe is facing escalating security threats and a possible decline in American commitment.

But the challenge facing Merz is not only about the size of the German army, but also about how to use the new power within the European system.

Experts believe that Berlin should reassure its neighbors through greater coordination and transparency, and avoid presenting the rearmament project as a unilateral German endeavor. According to this view, the success of the German strategy will depend on its ability to transform its newfound military power from a source of concern into an element of a joint European defense system.