The SPD lawmakers are calling for a new special fund to be established for both internal and external security, with a focus on strengthening the police force. The special fund for the Bundeswehr is expected to run out by 2027. The leaders of the influential SPD state groups in North Rhine-Westphalia and Lower Saxony/Bremen are advocating for this new special fund to address the challenges facing both internal and external security. They emphasize the need to allocate at least 20 percent of the fund towards internal security under the jurisdiction of the Federal Ministry of the Interior.
The SPD state groups, representing a significant portion of the party’s members in the Bundestag, are convening on the island of Norderney to discuss these issues. Among the attendees are Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius. Scholz recently announced a special fund of 100 billion euros for the Bundeswehr’s rearmament, funded through loans. This fund is expected to be depleted by the end of 2027, and it is uncertain how the NATO goal of investing two percent of the GDP in defense will be met afterwards.
The SPD leaders are advocating for another special fund that would benefit the police and other agencies responsible for internal security. They are also calling for a reform of the debt brake enshrined in the constitution, arguing that generational fairness should not be measured solely by debt reduction. Instead, they believe that it is essential to invest in education, the economy, and infrastructure to ensure a prosperous future for the next generations.
In response to Ukrainian President Zelensky’s plea for Western military aid in the face of the Russian threat, security expert Nico Lange emphasizes the importance of finding sustainable funding solutions. The discussion around establishing a new special fund for security highlights the ongoing debate within Germany about how best to allocate resources to address the evolving security challenges facing the country. The proposed fund would not only be utilized for defense purposes but also for bolstering internal security measures, reflecting a comprehensive approach towards ensuring the safety of German citizens.
The upcoming summit on Norderney will provide an opportunity for key SPD figures to discuss their vision for a new special fund and address the pressing security issues facing Germany. The call for increased investment in security reflects a growing recognition of the changing geopolitical landscape and the need for Germany to strengthen its defense capabilities. By advocating for a new special fund, the SPD lawmakers are aiming to prioritize the security needs of both the military and law enforcement agencies, signaling a commitment to safeguarding the country against external and internal threats. With ongoing uncertainty surrounding defense spending and the need to meet NATO goals, the establishment of a new special fund could play a crucial role in shaping Germany’s security strategy for the future.
