Europe urged to boost defence spending amid security concerns
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is urging EU countries to increase defense spending to exceed 2% of their GDP. During a debate in the European Parliament, he emphasized that current allocations may not be sufficient in the future.
Throughout the debate, Mark Rutte, leading NATO, pressed EU nations to boost defense spending above 2% of GDP. "Start learning Russian or move to New Zealand," he remarked, candidly suggesting what residents in countries reluctant to increase defense budgets might consider doing.
Mark Rutte's argument is designed to galvanize EU countries into increasing their defence funding. The NATO Secretary General discussed this with Members of the European Parliament, arguing that even increased expenditures may not be enough to secure Europe’s safety.
NATO chief: "Those who do not want to spend more on defence should start learning Russian now"
"If we do not spend more, we are safe for now, but not in 4 to 5 years. If you don't do this, sign up for Russian lessons or move to New Zealand," he warned the parliamentarians.
Rutte stressed that increased defence spending is intertwined with reducing other expenditures, such as social spending. He pointed out that NATO's collective defence depends on the participation of all its members, not just those situated on the eastern flank.
The Secretary General of NATO underscored the importance of cooperation with non-European allies and the need for ramped-up production within the European defense industry. Rutte is set to attend the NATO Baltic countries summit in Helsinki, where security issues concerning the Baltic region will be addressed.
Rutte argued for the European defense industry to boost production. He urged for the elimination of any obstacles that might prevent companies from non-EU NATO countries from participating in its defense industry development projects.
Source: RMF FM
