Greens politician Franziska Brantner noted that neighboring countries are increasingly concerned about Germany ramping up its military capabilities. Speaking in a podcast by the Funke Media Group, Brantner addressed the perception that Germany is militarizing again, despite the nation’s investments in its defense. “We say we are investing in our defense capabilities, yes, but our neighbors say that Germany is becoming more militarized” she stated. She acknowledged that while Germany is spending significantly more on defense, the ambitions of the German Chancellor-who aims for the strongest army in Europe-are closely monitored by neighboring states.
Brantner emphasized that a fear of a “too powerful Germany” persists across various European nations. Furthermore, she argued that the withdrawal of American forces is prompting these neighbors to reassess what this shift means for Germanyspecifically. She confessed that she believes her generation sometimes lacks awareness of how Germany is perceived by its neighbors, particularly in the context of the historical and national identities of other European countries.
According to the Green politician, the prevailing sentiment from those neighbors is: “You should be strong, but never alone; always together with us”. Brantner concluded that it is a critical duty for German politicians to remain aware of this dynamic, reiterating her long-held message: “Never alone. That has to be ingrained in all of us”.
