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Germany

Germany's Friedrich Merz faces rocky road to lift debt brake rules

Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz wants to alter Germany's strict fiscal rules to massively boost defence spending, the Greens are standing in his way.

Spain

Spain's PM says military spending will reindustrialise Spain and EU

With about 1.28% spent on defence last year, Spain is proportionally one of the lowest NATO defence spenders.

Europe News

While the government backs ReArmEu public opinion remains divided

Defence spending remains one of the most debated topics in Europe,with countries like Italy and Spain under pressure to meet NATO’s targets.A recent poll reveals that Italians are evenly split on the issue, with strong opposition from 5 Star Movement supporters.

Europe News

EU to pitch defence omnibus package in June 2025

The EU Commission will present its White Paper on the Future of European Defence by 19 March.

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Markets

Beyond defence: Stocks set to gain from Germany’s economic revolution

Germany's fiscal shift will drive billions into infrastructure, energy, and housing, boosting eurozone growth. Goldman Sachs highlights 12 Buy-rated European stocks set to benefit from this economic transformation.

Tech News

Can the US choose to switch off European weapons?

German officials are sounding the alarm over what they say is a "kill switch" embedded in the US-made F-35 fighter jet. Experts say it's not that simple.

Europe News

European Parliament sidelined from new 'rearm Europe’ plan

Some MEPs deplored the Commission's use of Article 122 of the Treaty to avoid a vote on the newly proposed €150 billion instrument for defence funding. Others are less concerned.

Business

Rheinmetall sees profit jump as Europe prepares for military splurge

Germany’s Rheinmetall announces a 38% jump in net profit in 2024 and predicts a sales boost as Europe increases military capacity.

Europe News

Macron's defence spending plan drives open political divisions

The French president warned of tough budget decisions ahead as the country struggles with a daunting public deficit.

Europe News

Could Europe conscript 300,000 troops to deter Russia without the US?

As armed forces across Europe remain stretched and defence budgets constrained, could European nations reinstate compulsory military service? NATO allies are considering conscription.

Europe News

Rearming Europe is the EU's next folly, says Yanis Varoufakis

Economist, politician and the former Greek finance minister welcomed the easing of the German debt brake but believes that defence spending will not generate growth where it is needed.

Europe News

Six takeaways as Ursula von der Leyen marks 100 days in office

President Donald Trump's withdrawal of support for Ukraine has up-ended EU relations with the US in her first 100 days, and prompted pledges to ramp up defence spending.

Europe News

Germany's Merz in race over debt reform to raise defence spending

The CDU/CSU and SPD are proposing to create a special fund of €500bn for infrastructure and defence by reforming the country's "debt brake" provision.

Europe News

Germany’s historic defence turnabout dominates EUCO discussions

With the US scaling back its support for Ukraine, strengthening EU defence has become a priority for EU countries. At Thursday’s EU summit, traditionally frugal Germany led calls to revise fiscal rules to allow for increased defence spending.

Markets

DAX hits new high as EU summit concludes defence spending increase

EU member states agreed on a statement to boost the bloc’s defence spending, backing Germany’s push to relax its fiscal rules. The DAX hit a new high and Germany’s government bond yields soared.

Markets

Germany’s ‘whatever it takes’ moment: Fiscal boost sparks market rally

Germany’s €500bn fiscal overhaul is redefining its economy, bypassing debt limits to boost infrastructure and defence. Markets are rallying, with defence stocks surging. Analysts call it a ‘game changer,’ signalling a new era for European growth.

Europe News

Dutch government recommends citizens get 72-hour emergency kits

Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel said on Wednesday that citizens need to prepare to manage "without the central government" in case of a "real conflict."

Europe News

EU leaders' summit ends with Orbán vetoing conclusions on Ukraine

While all EU leaders backed conclusions on bolstering European defence, the Hungarian prime minister opted out of the statements on the bloc's ongoing support to Kyiv.

Europe News

Glucksmann to European leaders: Forget Trump, choose joint borrowing

Ahead of the Extraordinary European Council meeting in Brussels, Glucksman urges EU leaders not to rely on the US anymore and to invest time and resources in common borrowing.

Economy

The trillion dollar question: How can Germany kickstart its economy

Friedrich Merz, Germany's soon-to-be chancellor, has announced a strategy to exempt defence spending from limits on government borrowing.