German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Germany is prepared to spend 5% of its GDP on defense in order to achieve the goals set by US President Donald Trump. “Germany is capable and willing to meet these obligations,” Wadephul said on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday. Trump asked for 5%, “and we're following up.” The US president has asked NATO allies to abide by this goal, and even the US itself has not met this standard so far. This would mean a significant increase in defense spending of more than 2% compared to the current commitment. Given that Trump had conflicts with Germany during his first term due to delays in German defense spending, this Berlin promise may be welcomed in Washington.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said that Germany is prepared to spend 5% of its GDP on defense in order to achieve the goals set by US President Donald Trump. “Germany is capable and willing to meet these obligations,” Wadephul said on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Antalya, Turkey on Thursday. Trump asked for 5%, “and we're following up.” The US president has asked NATO allies to abide by this goal, and even the US itself has not met this standard so far. This would mean a significant increase in defense spending of more than 2% compared to the current commitment. Given that Trump had conflicts with Germany during his first term due to delays in German defense spending, this Berlin promise may be welcomed in Washington.