Germany’s Bundestag is poised to vote on a significant fiscal package that proposes amendments to longstanding debt policies, aiming to facilitate increased defence spending and establish a €500 billion infrastructure and climate fund.

The vote is seen as a response to Russia’s advances in Ukraine as the United States makes clear Europe can no longer rely on US protection from Russia.

Supporters of lifting the debt restrictions to boost defence spending say it’s essential for European security but there is also opposition. The decision could influence broader European defence initiatives, like the EU’s proposed €800 billion ReArm Europe fund.