Part 9/11:
Despite Americans' traditional role as a primary security guarantor, the white paper reflects a desire for Europe to assume more responsibility, marking a historical shift in burden-sharing dynamics.
Rising Defense Budgets Across Europe
In reaction to the changing landscape, countries such as Poland, Hungary, and Estonia have rapidly increased their defense expenditures. For instance, Germany lifted restrictions on military spending, allowing for a budgetary allocation of over €500 billion specifically for defense modernization and improved infrastructure. This shift symbolizes a break from the post-World War II stigma surrounding heavy defense spending.