The German parliamentary military commissioner called Sunday for an urgent timeline to address a shortage of ammunition facing the country’s military, Bundeswehr.
Berlin sent large quantities of ammunition to support Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s aggression, but has failed to replenish its supplies despite Berlin promising an additional EUR100 billion ($105billion) for the Armed Forces.
What was the statement of the military commissioner?
Eva Hogl is the lower house’s commissioner for the armed forces. She called for the government to target ammunition procurement in the two-digit billion range in the next few years.
Hogl, a politician from the center-left Social Democrats, stated that “we now need a roadmap,” a coordinated approach with binding contracts with the defense industry on when and where ammunition can be produced.
Hogl spoke out about Germany’s military assistance to Ukraine. She said that “a lot of things have been given away, but nothing has yet been replaced.” This was despite the fact that there is broad support for the military aid to Kyiv.
German Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht is being criticized for the growing shortage of artillery rockets and artillery shells. This has been evident for many years.
Local media reports claim that few procurements took place in spite of the nine-month-long conflict in Ukraine. This is something the Defense Ministry denies.
A Lambrecht spokesperson said that “that we are inactive with the procurement of ammunition” was “of course sheer absurdity”.
Slow orders frustrate manufacturers
Reuters quoted unnamed sources from the defense industry in October who were disappointed at what they called the government’s slowness in replenishing Bundeswehr’s inventories. This was due to slow procedures and a lackluster decision-making at the top.
One defense manager stated that although there is war in Ukraine, procedures are still in peace-time mode and inflation is taking up money.
Ministries trade blame
DPA news agency reported that a row broke out this week between the defense and finance ministries over spending and transparency regarding munitions purchases.
The Finance Ministry complained to the Finance Ministry that their Defense Ministry counterparts did not prioritize ammunition procurement in negotiations for the EUR100 million spending boost for the Armed Forces.
Shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine, February 2, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a huge budget increase to modernize the country’s military.
Holger Bonin (research director, Institute of Labor Economics), who is critical of these plans, told DW that “Before someone signs an employment contract they must present evidence that they do not have to show in another country.”
Recognizing foreign qualifications: This would simplify the process of recognising foreign degrees. Candidates can now submit documents in English and other languages instead of requiring a certified translator.
Some professionals may also be eligible to apply for immigration even if their German degree is not recognized. Two years work experience is required, along with a degree recognized in the country of origin.
Vocational classes for asylum seekers: The government plans to offer vocational classes and integrational courses for all asylum seekers regardless of whether they are likely to remain in the country permanently.
