Germany has defended its defence spending record amid renewed criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump over NATO allies’ contributions ahead of the alliance’s summit in Ankara.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said the country’s defence budget was increasing and that Berlin was on course to meet its NATO spending commitments.
“We’re looking at the numbers, and they are pointing up,” Wadephul told Germany’s Deutschlandfunk radio.
NATO allies agreed last year to increase core defence spending from two per cent to 3.5 per cent of national gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.
Wadephul said Germany was expected to reach the 3.5 per cent target before the end of the decade, adding that the country’s increased contribution had been recognised by partners, including the United States.
“We are spending more than many of our partners. What Germany is doing is also being noticed in Washington,” he said.
Trump has repeatedly criticised NATO members over what he described as unequal burden-sharing within the alliance, calling their defence contributions inadequate.
Days before the two-day NATO summit, scheduled to begin on Tuesday in Ankara, Trump renewed his criticism and singled out Germany over defence spending.
NATO leaders are expected to discuss alliance security priorities and defence commitments during the meeting.
