The war in Ukraine continues to preoccupy people in Germany. Many are wondering whether our country could also be under threat. Researchers at Leipzig University and the Technical University of Munich wanted to know exactly what the population thinks about this. They asked over 1,000 randomly selected Germans about their opinions on defense and security. The ifo Institute - Leibniz Institute for Economic Research at the University of Munich has now published the results.
The result is clear. The majority want Germany to strengthen its defense capabilities. This also includes higher spending on the Bundeswehr. "There are majorities among the population in favor of increasing the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr, taking more decisive action against hybrid attacks and a joint European army," explains Philipp Lergetporer from the Technical University of Munich. A relative majority of respondents are also in favor of the reintroduction of compulsory military service.
Fear of military conflict is growing
The fear of a military conflict is particularly striking. Almost two thirds of respondents, i.e. 62%, fear an armed conflict between Russia and a NATO member state. Almost one in two are very worried that there could even be hostilities between Germany and Russia on German soil. These figures show how serious many people consider the threat situation to be.
The Leipzig researchers also asked participants about specific measures. The population supports closer cooperation in Europe, particularly in the areas of defense, security and civil protection. There is also broad support for a common European army.
Relocating money instead of new debt
When it comes to financing, the picture is clear. Respondents want to reallocate existing government spending. More money should flow into defense and internal security, but less into social spending. In contrast, there is no majority in favor of the exemption from the debt brake for defense spending. "Overall, the results reflect a clear desire for reform to increase Germany's defense capability and allow conclusions to be drawn about defense policies with majority support among the population," says Junior Professor Dr. Sebastian Blesse from the University of Leipzig.
The study was conducted between July and September 2025 and is representative of the German population. What is new about the study is that the researchers not only asked about general opinion. They also recorded approval of specific security policy measures and their financing. The ifo Institute has just published the results on its website.
