NATO Chief Calls for Defense Spending Up to 10% of GDP to Form 'European NATO', Amid Feb 3 Meeting

Jan 13, 2025, 05:33 PM

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member countries to increase their defense spending beyond the current target of 2% of GDP, stating that this level is insufficient to ensure safety in the coming years. Speaking at the European Parliament, Rutte suggested that NATO allies might need to spend up to 10% of their GDP on military needs if they aim to establish a 'European NATO'. He highlighted the disparity in military production capabilities, noting that Russia produces in three months what NATO produces in a year, attributing this to Russia's lower bureaucracy and faster operational speed. Rutte also mentioned that Ukraine currently cannot negotiate with Russia from a position of strength due to these production differences. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of involving non-EU allies in European defense efforts to avoid creating new barriers between allies. Poland supports increasing military spending to 5% of GDP, aligning with demands from the incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. A meeting on European defense is scheduled for February 3 in Belgium, involving EU leaders, the UK, and the NATO Secretary General.