Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged European nations, particularly France, to increase defense spending to meet a key NATO target, as concerns grow over the alliance’s future amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. The call for greater financial commitment comes as European countries grapple with how to bolster their collective defense capabilities.
“This appeal goes to all European countries. Open and honest discussions will be necessary. Anyone who today talks about independence from the U.S. Must first do their homework, and Europe has a lot of outstanding tasks ” Wadephul said Monday, February 16, 2026, in an interview with Deutschlandfunk.
Wadephul, a member of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), dismissed the possibility of issuing joint debt to finance increased defense expenditure. He reminded partner nations that the 5% target, agreed upon at the NATO summit in The Hague, refers to “national contributions.”
The German Foreign Minister referenced an upcoming speech by French President Emmanuel Macron on strategic issues, noting that Macron consistently emphasizes the aspiration for European sovereignty. “Anyone who talks about it must act in their own country. But unfortunately, efforts have also been insufficient in the French Republic,” Wadephul stated, recommending that Paris follow Germany’s example.
He argued that difficult debates must not be avoided and that “investment capacity” needs to be created, even if that means implementing austerity measures in social sectors and elsewhere, to achieve the “central goal of Europe’s defense capability.”
Wadephul also praised the remarks made by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference, stating that We find no better alternatives than repairing relations with Washington.
“Without the U.S. Nuclear umbrella, we are not capable of defending ourselves, that is the pure reality,” the minister said, adding that the security guaranteed by the transatlantic alliance is a prerequisite for everything else. The statement underscores the continued reliance of European nations on the United States for defense.
he urged acceptance of the cooperation offer presented by Rubio and a willingness to act as partners to the U.S., despite areas of disagreement with the administration of President Donald Trump. “We have been a successful alliance and we must be so again in the future,” Wadephul affirmed.
CP (efe, afp)
