The Two-percent rule also dominates the 70-year anniversary of the NATO. The foreign Ministers of the 29 member States to ensure, in their final Declaration in Washington again, more money for defense spending.

Under pressure from the USA, Germany and the other NATO-allies are again spending more on defence. In the final Declaration of the 70. Anniversary of the Alliance’s founding, it is stated: “We have made significant progress, but we can, must and will do more.”

NATO Secretary-General Stoltenberg: “I expect more from Germany.”

“It’s not about to please the United States

This is especially true for Germany – at least according to the opinion of U.S. President Trump”. He is not tired to underline that Germany is neglecting his duty. The diplomatic said NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg at the anniversary of the Alliance in Washington.

He welcome the fact that Germany and others after years were the cuts more money in their defense budgets. But that he expected even more, said Mr Stoltenberg. It was a matter of delight in the “United States”, but to burden-sharing. The world is become increasingly uncertain and unpredictable, the General Secretary of the Alliance.

“In Germany the most of the money”

foreign Minister Heiko Maas reiterated that Germany will spend up to 2024 1.5 percent of its gross domestic product on defense. Since 2014 there have been already an increase of 40 percent. “This is a tremendous effort,” says Maas. Other States did not meet the target.

foreign Minister Maas: “Enormous effort”.

That Germany, in particular, is in the cross fire of the criticism, said Maas, with the height of the German Budgets: “It is primarily, therefore, always to Germany, because it is where most of the money.” Maas pointed out, the debate will not be “unforgiving”.

The Federal government has not yet set out how you want the 1.5 per cent. The medium-term plan, according to information from the Ministry of defence only 1.26 percent for the year 2023. Accordingly, the defense spending by 2023 to 2024 would have to be increased by a two-digit billion amount, if the objective is to be achieved.

The will is strong, the budget is low

it is, However, interpreted the Two-percent target in different ways. In the opinion of the United States of 2014, all NATO countries obliged, no later than 2024, at least two percent of the gross domestic product for defense spending. The Federal government refers to the fact that in the decision of the speech is to move in the direction of the two percent.