German house votes for major appropriation to country’s armed forces

The German parliament this week voted for a major federal investment in the country’s armed forces, a move that comes three months after Russia’s aggressive invasion of European neighbor Ukraine.

Members of Germany’s lower house voted overwhelmingly in favor of a 100 billion-euro investment in the Bundeswehr, the country’s federal armed forces. That amount totals about $107 million in U.S. dollars. 

The special fund for the military was announced in February shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht told parliament this week that the vote in favor of the fund represented “a historic day.” 

“This is a lot of money, but it is well invested — in the security and peace of our country,” she said. 

Analysts have long noted that Germany has neglected its military for years, particularly in the area of equipment.  Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told members of parliament this week that “the shortcomings of the Bundeswehr can’t be sustained for a second longer.”