Germany joined NATO on May 6, 1955, seeking safety from the Soviet threat behind the Iron Curtain. Now, 70 years later, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier stood in Brussels and renewed Germany’s promise to defend Europe. As tensions with Russia grow and U.S. policy shifts, Germany is stepping up to play a bigger role in NATO.
Germany Reaffirms NATO Role on 70th Anniversary
Speaking at NATO’s headquarters, President Steinmeier said Germany is ready to face new global threats. He stood beside NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and said, “We received the message, and Mark, you can rely on us.”
He referred to rising dangers from Russia and pressure from the U.S. to take on more defense duties. “With Putin’s war raging and American pressure mounting, Germany must act,” Steinmeier said.
The message was clear—Germany plans to take the lead in defending the European continent.
U.S. Shifts Focus: What It Means for Europe
In February, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared strong views about America’s changing priorities. He said the U.S. can no longer be Europe’s main protector. Instead, Washington will focus more on China and protecting its own borders.
This sparked concern across Europe, especially in Germany. NATO allies began to ask hard questions. How many U.S. troops might leave? How fast will Europe need to fill the gap?
So far, the U.S. has not announced any troop withdrawals. But the warning was enough to push Europe into urgent talks about becoming more self-reliant.
Germany Boosts Defense Spending and Military Readiness
Germany is taking action to meet NATO’s defense targets. The current government has already set aside €100 billion to upgrade the country’s military. These funds will help modernize equipment, improve training, and meet new threats.
A new ruling coalition in Berlin has promised to ease budget rules so that defense spending can rise further. Germany is now on track to meet the NATO goal of spending 2% of its GDP on defense. That goal could increase to 3% in the next NATO summit.
President Steinmeier said Germany must be the “backbone of Europe’s conventional defense.” He praised the decision made in 1955 to let West Germany join NATO, calling it “a wise and far-sighted step.”
Ukraine’s Future in NATO Still Unclear
Secretary Hegseth also said Ukraine might not regain all its lost lands. He warned that NATO membership for Ukraine won’t happen soon and is still part of larger talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine.
But NATO leaders disagreed. They said only NATO members and candidates can decide on new members. Russia has no say in that process.
The war in Ukraine has shaken Europe’s sense of safety. NATO was formed in 1949 to defend against Soviet threats. Now, it faces a similar challenge from a modern and aggressive Russia.
Europe Looks to Build Its Own Defense Power
The U.S. warning has forced Europe to think hard about security. For many years, Europe has depended on the U.S. for defense. But now, with America stepping back, leaders are trying to build a stronger European force.
Germany, with its large economy and central location, is expected to lead this effort. Plans are underway to improve troop readiness, share intelligence better, and upgrade air and missile defense systems.
In recent months, joint NATO drills have increased across Eastern Europe. Germany has sent more troops and supplies to NATO’s eastern flank. These actions show a clear shift—Europe is preparing to defend itself, with or without full U.S. support.
Defending Democracy in Troubled Times
During his speech in Brussels, Steinmeier also spoke about values. He said defending democracy and the rule of law is just as important as protecting borders.
“These core values suffer attacks today, from both external enemies and internal divisions,” he warned. He called on NATO leaders to stay united and firm in their mission.
The speech was a reminder that today’s threats are not only military. Disinformation, political division, and rising extremism are all dangers NATO must now face.
A New Era for NATO and Germany
As NATO marks 70 years of Germany’s membership, the world is once again in a time of deep change. Russia’s war in Ukraine, rising threats from China, and new types of warfare all require a strong and united NATO.
Germany is ready to rise to that challenge. With more spending, stronger military ties, and a clear voice, it is stepping into a new role in Europe.
Steinmeier’s final message was simple: “Germany will act.”
Germany’s message on NATO’s 70th anniversary is loud and clear—it will not sit back. As global risks grow and U.S. focus shifts, Germany plans to lead. With more funding, stronger alliances, and deep commitment, Berlin aims to be the backbone of European defense.