Germany's upper house, the Bundesrat, Thursday voted 53-16 to approve a massive defense and infrastructure spending bill. The historic shift for German defense eliminates a "debt brake" to defend against Russian.

The package, which will allow for a large increase in military expenditure, passed through the Bundesrat despite objections from several smaller parties. View on euronews

The bill passed with 53 votes in favor, more than the required two-thirds majority of 46 and paving the way for President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to sign it and submit it for publication in the Federal Law Gazette.