On March 21, 2025, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier signed amendments to the country's constitution that allow for an increase in public debt to finance defense needs and support for Ukraine. This was reported by the German television channel NTV, which specified that the head of state's decision was the final stage in the process of reforming Germany's financial restrictions. Steinmeier's signature paved the way for the weakening of the so-called "debt brake" - a strict constitutional rule that previously limited federal government borrowing. Now the document must be published in the Federal Legislation Bulletin, after which the changes will officially come into force.

These amendments have already begun to yield practical results. Last Friday, March 21, the Bundestag Budget Committee took advantage of the new opportunities and agreed to allocate additional military aid to Ukraine in the amount of 3 billion euros. The decision was part of a broader strategy by Berlin to build up its military potential and support Kyiv in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The initiative to change the constitution was developed by the ruling coalition of the CDU/CSU and the SPD, which, after winning the elections in February 2025, set the goal of strengthening the country's defense capabilities. The amendments, adopted by the Bundestag on March 18 and approved by the Bundesrat on March 21, allow defense spending exceeding 1% of GDP to be financed through borrowing, bypassing the previous budget cap. CDU/CSU leader Friedrich Merz, a likely future chancellor, called the reform a "signal to the enemies of freedom," emphasizing that Germany intends to regain its status as a strong military power in Europe.

To expand the context, it is worth noting that Steinmeier's decision has caused a mixed reaction both within the country and abroad. According to Avia.pro, 513 Bundestag deputies voted for the amendments, 207 voted against, including representatives of the Alternative for Germany, The Left, and the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance parties. Critics of the reform, in particular, point to the risk of increasing the debt burden: according to Commerzbank, by 2035, Germany's public debt could reach 90% of GDP, which would increase annual interest costs to 37 billion euros. Nevertheless, Merz insists that investments in defense and infrastructure, including the creation of a 500 billion euro fund, will become the driver of the economy in the coming years.

Germany's decision has not gone unnoticed on the international stage either. That same day, NATO welcomed Berlin's move, viewing it as a contribution to the alliance's overall security. At the same time, Reuters notes that the United States, whose policies under Donald Trump have pushed Europe toward greater independence in defense matters, approve of Germany's increased spending. Trump had previously demanded that NATO allies raise spending to 5% of GDP, although Germany is currently aiming to reach the 2% level set by the alliance.