NATO chief praises Germany as it aims for ‘most capable army in Europe’

https://www.euronews.com/2025/12/11/europe-needs-to-do-much-more-towards-security-germanys-chancellor-warns

31 Comments

  1. Funny that, when the classroom was asked who would be the biggest army, it was Germany who raised its hand.

  2. This is a historic shift for Germany. After decades of restraint following WWII, they are not just rearming; the goal is to lead Europe’s conventional defense. It shows how much the geopolitical landscape has changed.
    · Rutte calling Germany a “leading power” and a “driving force in NATO” isn’t just praise. It’s a direct message that Europe needs to prepare to take more responsibility for its own security, especially with changing U.S. priorities.

  3. Stereo_Jungle_Child on

    So, if you’re European and you say “Europe needs to take responsibility for its own defense and stop relying on America so much”, you’re a heroic champion of EU independence.

    …and if you’re American and you say “Europe needs to take responsibility for its own defense and stop relying on America so much”, you’re an American isolationist and a Russian stooge.

    Got it! lol

  4. Ok_Freedom_6864 on

    Germany, united with all of Europe. Imagine if that would have happened in 1940. Unstoppable.

  5. Last time this happened, they decided to put Europe on notice and tried to take Poland.

    In all seriousness though, who would have thought Germany of all countries would literally be at the forefront of defending Europe? I always laugh when America states it has the biggest and best army because it literally has nobody to defend against. At least Germany and the rest of Europe can claim that Russia, China etc. are literally knocking on the door.

  6. They must be proud. Germany conquered Europe without lifting a finger. Just have a bigger enemy threaten you.

  7. Warum ausgerechnet Deutschland. Wir haben keine richtige Armee, GB und Frankreich dagegen schon.

  8. Third time’s the charm! I’d rather be invaded by Germany a second time than experience Russian “liberation”.

  9. All the people screaming about how new and unprecedented this is haven’t heard of the Cold War I guess?
    Germany had around 3000 tanks in the late 80‘s, just saying…

  10. mandeltonkacreme on

    Jesus Christ, the capability of the Bundeswehr should NOT be something to look up to.

    Sure, we can aim high, I guess. I mean, I wish. But judging by its current state, “most capable army” is a fucking pipe dream.

  11. AGrandNewAdventure on

    They know exactly what is like to fight Russia, and they’re not going to lay down and take it in Round 3. It’s odd that they’ve become the good guys in the fight against fascism, too.

  12. … and now help us to stop the fascist AfD to get onto power, or you’ll have “a most capable army” in the hands of ultra nationalist fascists. Yes, we did this already, was no fun at all.

  13. …As far as I understand, it’s apparently a bit of an open secret in military circles that Germany’s current military is considered woefully unprepared. Their soldiers are apparently also known for continuously falling to impress during exercises with their allies. Finally, their intelligence service has been described as a sieve; once you tell them something, it’ll be public knowledge within 14 days at most.

    It sounds like Germany has its work cut out for it. I hope they succeed in changing things, for all our sakes.

  14. Therianthropie on

    Our Military is so amazing that they are simply ignoring 15 Russian drones over a military base for multiple hours. 

  15. Technologically, definitely. Though France (and perhaps also the UK) can probably aid in training as they have more actual experience. Hopefully also Germany aiding France with upping its tech.