Between necessary adaptation and haphazard gigantomania
For Fokus, the importance of security and defense is undeniable. Since our foundation, we have been calling for a strengthening of European defense capabilities through cooperation and efficiency. Especially against the background of the second Trump mandate, we call for increased and improved European cooperation. The NATO summit was not a step forward in this regard.
We note that the massive and sudden increases in defense spending primarily serve to stage-manage US President Trump and are thus part of a haphazard gigantomania. While the importance of security and defense in a complex geopolitical environment is undeniable and an increase in defense spending to 2% of GNI would have made sense for FOKUS., the massive increase to 5% of GNI (around €3 billion) is a haphazard and excessive increase.
We are convinced that a nation does not become more resilient by the sheer size of its arsenal alone, but by the strength of its internal ties, by fair opportunities for all and by investing in the future of its citizens. We believe the blind commitments made to Donald Trump and NATO to earmark 5% of PIB for defense spending (5% of GNI in the case of Luxembourg), without transparently defining their purpose, are wrong.
Specifically, we therefore demand:
- On the one hand, the rapid securing of funding for defense spending at the rate of 2% of GNI applicable until the NATO summit. As envisaged by the government, this expenditure must first and foremost benefit Luxembourg companies
- This is linked to appropriate planning for defense spending, which shows exactly how the planned military expenditure is to be used in detail and which specific threats it is intended to respond to.
- In addition, it must be ensured that the funds in excess of the 2% mentioned above are largely investments in the areas of social welfare, healthcare, education, internal security and economic development. It should be noted that these are not purely defense expenditures, but for Fokus they nevertheless contribute to strengthening the resilience of the population, as they combat social injustices and societal problems. The requirements of the NATO decision are therefore not only grossly exaggerated, but also far too restrictive and short-sighted.
- A mechanism must be established that enables complete and regular accountability for all expenditure incurred. This includes detailed reports on the use of funds, procurement processes and the achievement of the goals set. The public has a right to know how taxpayers’ money is being used to this extent.
Luxembourg, June 27, 2025
