Germany’s outgoing government has agreed to provide an additional €3 billion ($3.3 billion) in military aid to Ukraine this year, marking a significant step in its support for the war-torn country. This decision follows the approval of a fiscal overhaul by German lawmakers, according to a finance ministry document.
The move is widely regarded as a breakthrough, as outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously made the easing of borrowing rules a prerequisite for releasing further aid. With this obstacle now removed, Germany is reinforcing its commitment to Ukraine at a time of growing uncertainty about the future of US security guarantees under former President Donald Trump, should he return to office.
Finance Minister Joerg Kukies has informed parliament’s budget committee that all requirements for authorising the extra funds have been met. In a submission to the committee, the finance ministry confirmed that Germany would allocate €2.547 billion in additional spending this year. This amount, combined with other sources of funding, including a reimbursement from the European Peace Facility, will bring the total military aid for 2024 to €3 billion.
Looking ahead, Germany has also committed to providing further aid between 2026 and 2029, with an additional €8.252 billion earmarked for military support. This will bring Germany’s total pledged military aid to Ukraine to over €11 billion in the coming years.
The budget committee is set to approve the funds on Friday, contingent on the Bundesrat upper house passing a constitutional reform that is necessary for the new spending framework. The Bundestag lower house of parliament already passed a significant overhaul of Germany’s fiscal rules on Tuesday, aimed at boosting military spending and stimulating economic growth.
Germany’s decision comes at a crucial moment, as EU leaders are set to meet on Thursday and Friday, where discussions on additional aid for Ukraine will be high on the agenda. As European nations face increasing pressure to demonstrate their commitment to Ukraine’s defence against Russia, Germany’s latest move signals a strengthened resolve to provide long-term military support.
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