German finance minister Lars Klingbeil said Germany sees no need to revise its stance on common European debt, backing Chancellor Friedrich Merz in opposing recent calls for more joint borrowing

German finance minister Lars Klingbeil said Germany sees no need to revise its stance on common European debt, backing Chancellor Friedrich Merz in opposing recent calls for more joint borrowing

Germany Maintains Stance on Common European Debt Amid EU Fiscal Tensions

Germany’s finance minister, Lars Klingbeil, reaffirmed the country's opposition to expanding joint European debt, aligning with Chancellor Friedrich Merz's position that challenges recent calls for increased supranational borrowing to address economic and geopolitical risks. This stance reflects Germany's longstanding emphasis on fiscal discipline, even as the European Union grapples with rising public debt and the need for coordinated fiscal responses to crises.

The EU's public debt stands at 81% of GDP bloc-wide, with Germany's debt at 62% of GDP—well below Italy's 135% and France's 113%. According to fiscal data, despite these figures, Germany's recent political shifts, including Merz's push for deficit spending to stimulate growth, have raised concerns about fiscal sustainability. Analysts note that Germany's reluctance to endorse common debt contrasts with France's advocacy for shared borrowing to fund initiatives like the NextGenerationEU (NGEU) recovery program, which has issued over €375 billion in EU bonds since 2020. Research shows that the NGEU program has been deemed low-risk for default, with EU bonds rated AAA by some agencies.

Klingbeil's comments underscore Germany's skepticism toward expanding joint liability, citing risks of moral hazard and fiscal overreach. This position has strained Franco-German relations, particularly as France pushes for a permanent EU fiscal capacity to address economic shocks and strategic priorities such as defense and green transitions. As reports indicate, tensions have also flared over stalled projects like the Franco-German fighter-jet program and disagreements on trade deals, complicating efforts to unify Europe's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's protectionist threats.

The EU's debt sustainability remains a focal point. While the NGEU program has been deemed low-risk for default, with EU bonds rated AAA by some agencies, Germany's resistance to deeper fiscal integration could hinder progress on shared fiscal tools. Proponents argue that common debt enhances solidarity, particularly for vulnerable economies, while critics warn of dependency and governance challenges.

With Germany's coalition government internally divided on EU fiscal strategies—Finance Minister Klingbeil supporting France's "trade bazooka" retaliation against U.S. tariffs, while other officials advocate caution—the path forward remains uncertain. As the EU approaches 2026, the success of the NGEU program and Germany's fiscal trajectory will likely shape debates on whether to pursue a permanent central fiscal capacity or adhere to stricter national discipline.

European public debt levels and growth challenges: European public debt levels and growth challenges.
EU debt issuance under the NGEU program: EU debt issuance under the NGEU program.
Klingbeil's reaffirmation of Germany's stance: Klingbeil's reaffirmation of Germany's stance.
Franco-German tensions and fiscal policy disagreements: Franco-German tensions and fiscal policy disagreements.