A recent survey reveals a significant majority of German citizens support the integration of the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, into a European army. The “Deutschland-Monitor” a component of the report on German Unity, indicates that 57 percent of respondents favor this concept, while only 23 percent express opposition. Notably, support for this idea diminishes among younger demographics.
The findings, reported by the German news magazine “Stern”, come as the Federal Cabinet prepares to discuss the “Deutschland-Monitor” report this week. The survey, based on a representative sample of approximately 4,000 individuals, also explores several other key areas of public opinion.
Regarding Germany’s role in global affairs, the survey demonstrates a strong consensus against isolationism. A substantial 77 percent of respondents believe Germany should actively participate in world politics, contrasting with just 15 percent who favor withdrawal.
Public sentiment regarding military spending remains more evenly divided. While 38 percent view increased taxation for defense purposes as an unacceptable burden, 36 percent perceive it as either acceptable or entirely justifiable. This level of concern is particularly pronounced in eastern Germany, where 45 percent expressed reservations on the issue.
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has generated feelings of vulnerability for many. Approximately 43 percent of Germans reported feeling personally threatened by the situation, while 32 percent indicated a lesser degree of worry.
Migration remains a central concern for the German public, yet the survey suggests a willingness to adapt. A relative majority of 43 percent supports facilitating the immigration of skilled workers from abroad. Furthermore, 59 percent believe the state should undertake more to promote the integration of immigrants. A comparatively small proportion, 28 percent, indicated that migration has negatively impacted their immediate surroundings.
