German Chancellor Olaf Scholz says his country will raise its defense budget in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which he believes threatens Europe's security.

Scholz told the Bundestag on Sunday that Germany needs to invest more in national security in order to protect its freedom and democracy.

He said Germany will commit 100 billion euros, or about 112 billion dollars, to build up its armed forces, and raise its defense spending every year to more than 2 percent of GDP.

The decision marks a significant shift in Germany's defense policy, as public opinion in the country tends to be negative toward military expansion due to remorse about past wars.

Germany's defense budget for 2021 stood at about 1.5 percent of GDP, below the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's agreed target of 2 percent.