Most Germans reject military leadership role in Europe, new poll finds

A majority of people in Germany oppose the country taking a military leadership role in Europe, according to a Forsa survey commissioned by the Korber Foundation.

The poll found that 61% of respondents answered "rather no" when asked whether Germany should assume such a role, while 38% were in favour. Rejection was highest in eastern Germany at 75%, compared with 58% in the west.

The survey, conducted between September 15 and 26 among 1,503 eligible voters in Germany, assessed public attitudes on key foreign and security policy issues. Some 76% said they were strongly or very strongly interested in these topics.

People in Germany were split on whether the country should take on greater responsibility in international crises or adopt a more cautious approach. Overall, 48% supported deeper engagement, while 43% favoured restraint. In the west, 51% backed a more active role; in the east, only 35% did.

If Germany were to step up, most respondents preferred diplomacy over military action. In western Germany, 71% favoured a stronger diplomatic presence, rising to 84% in the east. Support for increased military engagement stood at 19% in the west and 7% in the east.

Views of the US have deteriorated markedly since US President Donald Trump took office in January. 73% rated relations as poor. A year earlier, under Joe Biden, roughly the same share had considered ties good.

When asked about Germany's most important foreign policy partner, the US ranked far behind France, with 26% compared to France's 46%.

Despite concerns over military leadership, 72% said it was broadly right for Germany to double defence spending over the next decade. But 82% rejected the idea of Germany acquiring its own nuclear weapons.