Lead
More than a third of Germans believe their country could become entangled in a direct war within the next five years, according to a survey conducted by PwC in collaboration with the online opinion research company Civey, as reported by the German newspaper Der Tagesspiegel. The poll of roughly 2,500 people, cited by TASS, points to a broad sense of insecurity and shifting attitudes toward defense and international alliances.
Coverage Comparison
Both TASS articles, the only coverage reviewed here, draw on the same survey and cite Der Tagesspiegel as the original source. The first article centers on skepticism about Chancellor Friedrich Merz's goal of making the Bundeswehr Europe's strongest military force, while the second highlights the public's perception of imminent threats and the desire for greater European independence. Together, they paint a picture of a country that has become more acutely aware of dangers but remains uncertain about how to address them.
Key Claims
The survey shows that more than 75% of Germans doubt the Bundeswehr will become Europe's strongest military force by 2035, and only 19% believe Chancellor Merz's objective of transforming the Bundeswehr into Europe's preeminent military power is realistic. Merz declared this goal in his first government address in May 2025, according to the TASS report.
Concerns about domestic preparedness are also prominent: two-thirds of Germans feel that civil defense and emergency response systems are inadequately prepared, and nearly 87% support increased investments in these areas. However, just over half of German households maintain supplies of food and other essentials, pointing to a gap between expectations of the government and personal readiness.
On broader threat perceptions, about 86% of respondents said the danger of hybrid attacks—such as cyber attacks, disinformation, and espionage—has increased. More than half of respondents (52.3%) consider it justified to save money in other areas to fund increased military spending. Nearly 70% of participants no longer rule out the creation of a European nuclear deterrent for defense purposes.
Trust in the United States appears to be eroding: only half of Germans still believe that Washington will provide military support to its European partners in the event of war.
Wolfgang Zink, a partner at PwC Germany, commented on the findings: "Germans have recognized that times have changed and are demanding greater security. Yet, there remains a gap between their expectations of government and their personal preparedness." He also noted that "most Germans want more independence from the United States and demand more European involvement. It would be prudent to show a higher degree of independence and responsibility."
The TASS articles also reference the broader defense context: Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has unveiled a strategy to increase troop numbers from around 180,000 to 260,000 active personnel, and reserves from 70,000 to at least 200,000 by 2035. The strategic document identifies Russia as the primary threat, asserting that Moscow is "preparing for a military confrontation with NATO."
Russia has responded to Germany's military ambitions. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, previously cautioned that Germany's militaristic pursuits risk repeating the tragic consequences of its past efforts to establish itself as "Europe's main military power." In December 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin said that politicians in Europe were "raising the degree of hysteria" and "hammering fears into their heads" about the inevitability of a clash with Russia, describing allegations of a possible Russian attack on Europe as "lies and nonsense."