The 2009 Defence Budget
The defence budget provides the Bundeswehr with the financial basis required to accomplish its mission.
On 28 November, the German Bundestag passed the resolution on the 2009 Federal Budget. The 2009 Budget Act was approved with 388 votes in favour, 138 votes against and no abstentions. This provides for a total volume of around 31.2 billion euros for this year’s defence budget. This is an increase of more than 1.7 billion euros compared to 2008.
Attractiveness enhanced
The social framework conditions for members of the Bundeswehr have been further improved. The increase in the defence budget thus provides the additional financial resources needed to cover the 2008/2009 salaries and wages pay round and the military pay rise. Commitments to improve the accommodation of military personnel in the old Laender have been increased, too. The increase will at the same time boost defence investments aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the Bundeswehr. This takes into account the enormous challenges that operations abroad pose for the Bundeswehr.
Improved promotion situation
The increase in the number of military posts proposed in the government draft was also approved. This increase provides more than 7,000 additional promotion opportunities in 2009, primarily for non-commissioned officers and enlisted personnel.
