German Foreign Minister Criticizes French Defense Spending, Urges Greater Contribution to European Security

Germany Calls for Increased French Defense Investment

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has publicly criticized France's defense spending, urging Paris to contribute more significantly to European security sovereignty. Speaking in an interview with public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk, Wadephul stated that France's efforts have been 'insufficient' to match its calls for European strategic autonomy. The criticism, made around mid-February 2026, underscores growing friction between Germany and France over defense commitments and fiscal policies.

Context of European Security and NATO Targets

Wadephul's remarks come amid increasing pressure on NATO members to meet their defense spending targets. European leaders pledged in June 2025 to raise security and defense-related outlays to 5% of GDP by 2035. The German Foreign Minister emphasized that while French President Emmanuel Macron 'repeatedly and correctly refers to our pursuit of European sovereignty,' such rhetoric must be backed by action. 'Anyone who talks about it needs to act accordingly in their own country,' Wadephul asserted.

Germany, in contrast, has taken steps to bolster its own defense capabilities. Berlin last year exempted most defense spending from constitutionally enshrined debt limits and plans to invest over 500 billion euros in defense between 2025 and 2029. Wadephul acknowledged France's fiscal challenges, noting that the country carries the EU's third-highest debt burden relative to GDP, after Greece and Italy, making it difficult for Paris to maneuver financially. He suggested that France, like Germany, needs to engage in 'difficult discussions' and potentially consider austerity measures in social sectors to free up resources for defense.

Strained Franco-German Relations and Broader Implications

The criticism adds to a series of recent disagreements between Paris and Berlin, traditionally considered the engine of European cooperation. These disputes include:

• Proposals for Eurobonds, which Germany has rejected
• A next-generation European fighter jet project
• Trade deals and climate policy

Wadephul stressed that his call extends to all European partners, highlighting the need for 'very open, very honest discussions' within the European family. His comments reflect broader European efforts to strengthen defense capabilities amidst uncertainty regarding the long-term US commitment to NATO. He also cautioned against questioning the US protective shield, stating that 'There are enough atomic weapons in the world' and that 'no one in Washington is questioning' the US commitment to defend Europe.