German defence minister says Berlin is ready to expand military role

German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen stated on 17 October 2016 that Germany was ready to take on a larger military role in the service of closer European defence cooperation.

The statement appeared after it was announced that the German defence budget was increasing until 2020. It was also connected to plans from several member states of the European Union to push for closer military cooperation.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: A Greater Military Role for Germany? http://www.europeansources.info/record/a-greater-military-role-for-germany/

Deutsche Welle, 16.10.16: Merkel: Germany to heavily increase Bundeswehr budget http://dw.com/p/2RHMS

ESO: Background information: White Paper on German Security Policy and the Future of the Bundeswehr [The 2016 White Paper], July 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/white-paper-on-german-security-policy-and-the-future-of-the-bundeswehr-the-2016-white-paper-july-2016/

EurActiv, 19.01.17: Germany says will boost defence spending, demands clear US agenda http://www.euractiv.com/section/global-europe/news/germany-says-will-boost-defence-spending-demands-clear-us-agenda/

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