Germany's Defense Doubts, Record Passports, and Political Moves
Quick Look
- A new poll reveals Germans doubt their military's defense capabilities, with cyber threats causing more fear than a potential Russian attack.
- Meanwhile, 2025 saw a record number of people obtain German passports.
- Lawmakers visit Taiwan, and former Chancellor Scholz is reportedly set to head a Global South committee.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Germany is facing increased scrutiny regarding its defense capabilities and is experiencing a surge in naturalizations. Politically, the country is seeing shifts in leadership and policy discussions regarding international relations and economic outlook.
Timothy Jones with Reuters, AP, AFP, dpa, KNA, epd
Published 05/23/2026Published May 23, 2026
A new poll shows widespread doubts about Germany's defense readiness, with stronger fears over cyber threats than military attack. Meanwhile, a record number of people obtained a German passport in 2025. DW has more.
https://p.dw.com/p/5EE0R
Skip next section What you need to know
What you need to know
A poll finds that less than one-in-five Germans believe the Bundeswehr could adequately defend the country
A record number of people obtained a German passport in 2025, according to a newspaper report
The German Chamber of Industry and Commerce has lowered its economic prognosis for this year as the conflict in the Middle East continues
Here is a roundup of the top stories from and about Germany on Saturday, May 23, 2026.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The German government will establish the North-South Committee within a few months.
Very likely · Within months
More Ukrainian refugees in Germany will seek citizenship in the next year.
Very likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific cyber threats are Germans most concerned about?
- What are the long-term implications of the record number of German passport acquisitions?
- How will China react to the German lawmakers' visit to Taiwan?
- What will be the concrete outcomes of the North-South Committee?
