Germany’s last white paper, adopted in 2006, describes the country only as a “reliable partner” in international military missions. Germany is ready to take on responsibilities and leadership, reflecting “our increased role in international security policy,” according to the document, which also backs further consolidation of Europe’s defence industry. Germany will take on greater military leadership in global conflicts, requiring a sustained increase in defence spending and troop strength, according to plans for the nation’s first overhaul of security policy in a decade. “Rarely has the German military faced higher demands than in the last few months,” von der Leyen said at the time. Germany’s armed forces face an unprecedented confluence and range of crises and conflicts, so defence spending and troop strength need to keep rising in the years ahead, according to the draft.

Source: National Post July 11, 2016 15:33 UTC