Steigende Verteidigungsausgaben – Sicherheit und Freiheit als finanzielle Gemeinschaftsaufgabe

Abstract The Russian war against Ukraine and the strategic assertiveness of China have ended the illusion of a lasting peace dividend in Europe. Germany and its European partners must adapt to an era of global rearmament. Defense spending will have to rise to five percent of GDP, requiring additional annual resources of 135 billion euros in Germany alone. This article explores financing options, including budget reprioritization, targeted debt instruments, and European burden-sharing. Drawing on conservative economic principles, it argues that defense is not discretionary expenditure but the primary responsibility of the state. Just as West Germany’s society and economy bore the costs of defense during the Cold War, today’s generation must again assume collective responsibility.