Securing peace in Europe: A role for the Weimar Triangle?

The Weimar Triangle countries - France, Germany, and Poland - could enhance Europe's defense and strategic autonomy thanks to their complementarities. Germany, enjoying fiscal space, opted for debt-financed rearmament but stagnant voluntary recruitment and sluggish procurement form bottlenecks. France, lacking fiscal space, faces the guns versus butter dilemma while retaining a strong defense industry and nuclear autonomy. Poland benefits from its allies' deterrence and industrial strength while contributing a forward posture through its East Shield and large, publicly supported armed forces. To increase and sustain defense spending, tax increases or budget consolidation might be necessary, which are politically more viable for both Germany and Poland.