Germany considers €200 billion emergency defense fund to enhance military capabilities

Germany is in talks to approve up to €200 billion for emergency defense spending. This amount is double what was approved three years ago. Discussions involve finding ways to bypass strict borrowing limits to support military upgrades. Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz is negotiating with the Social Democrats to push a vote before the new parliament convenes on March 24. The urgency comes as European nations respond to security concerns related to the war in Ukraine. Options include creating a new fund for military and Ukraine aid or expanding the existing €100 billion fund. Any plan will require a super majority, which may be challenging after the new legislature begins.