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The Real Story: War in Ukraine transforms Germany

Factual

Germany to build Europe's biggest military

18/03/2022 GMT

War in Ukraine transforms Germany

BBC World Service - The Real Story, War in Ukraine transforms Germany

What will a stronger German military mean for European security?

Within days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Germany announced a number of significant changes to its economic and security policies. Chancellor Olaf Scholz described it as a Zeitenwende – or watershed – moment for Europe. The country would remove a self-imposed restraint on its armed forces - in place since the Second World War - and invest billions of dollars upgrading its military hardware. The government pledged to increase its defence spending to two percent of GDP making it the biggest military power in Europe. It also broke with tradition and began to supply arms to Ukraine and deploy troops on Nato's eastern flank. There is a shift in Germany's energy policy too. The country is heavily dependent on Russian oil, gas, and coal; but it has begun to cut these ties starting with the cancellation of Nord Stream 2 pipeline. Analysts say regardless of the outcome, the war in Ukraine will bring about profound and long-lasting changes to Germany and its place in Europe. So how significant is Germany's plan to re-arm its military? 

Ritula Shah is joined by a panel of experts.
Producers: Paul Schuster and Junaid Ahmed.

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