Hungarian PM: Germany set to form Europe's largest army since World War II

Germany is poised to establish the largest army in Europe since World War II, as part of the European Union’s ambitious "ReArm Europe" initiative, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán stated during an economic event in Budapest.

The initiative, approved in principle at an EU summit in Brussels on March 6, seeks to enhance Europe's defence capabilities by mobilising up to €800 billion, Caliber.Az reports, per foreign media.

Proposed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, the plan aims to strengthen Europe’s military autonomy, reducing reliance on external allies. It includes measures such as fiscal flexibility for increased defence spending, €150 billion in loans for joint defence projects, and the redirection of EU funds towards military investments.

Orbán underscored the scale of Germany's planned military expansion, saying, "the German army will be the largest" in Europe, a shift not seen since World War II. He also pointed to the broader geopolitical implications, remarking, "The big question is how Russia and America will react to this."

Currently, France has Europe's largest army with over 200,000 personnel, while Germany's armed forces number just over 180,000. The rearmament plan is expected to shift this balance, positioning Germany as the dominant military power on the continent. Such a development could provoke reactions from global powers, particularly Russia and the United States.

Moscow has long viewed European military expansion with suspicion, often criticising NATO and EU defence initiatives as provocations. A significant German military build-up could further strain relations with Russia, which has already expressed concerns about Western military aid to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Washington, which has historically encouraged Europe to take on greater defence responsibilities, may have mixed reactions. While the U.S. has long urged EU nations to increase defence spending, a stronger German military could also raise strategic questions about NATO’s leadership dynamics and burden-sharing.

The financial structure of "ReArm Europe" involves substantial borrowing, which could push national deficits beyond the limits set by the Maastricht criteria governing EU fiscal policy. Orbán warned that this could lead to significant EU-wide debt accumulation, which Hungary's constitutional law does not permit. His remarks suggest that fierce debates over financial responsibility and military commitments may emerge among EU member states.

To further support its objectives, the plan proposes a 1.5% increase in defence spending, aiming to generate an additional €650 billion for weapons production. These funds are expected to support air defence systems and sustain Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia. However, the proposed €800 billion loan financing has been sent back for revision, indicating that negotiations on the specifics of the plan are still ongoing.

While concerns about geopolitical repercussions remain, Orbán reassured that Hungary’s security is safeguarded through its NATO membership, aligning the country with strong allies like the United States and Türkiye. He also hinted at a forthcoming strategic economic agreement with the U.S., aimed at reinforcing Hungary’s economic position amid global shifts.

The "ReArm Europe" initiative marks a significant shift in the EU’s approach to defence, setting the stage for a more militarily autonomous Europe. However, how global powers respond to a resurgent German military will be a key factor shaping future security dynamics in Europe and beyond.

By Aghakazim Guliyev