Official NATO strategy documents and international policy analyses

NATO Chief Urges Wartime Mindset, 3% GDP Defense Spending Amid Rising Threats from Russia

Dec 12, 2024, 02:31 PM

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has issued a stark warning about the escalating security threats facing the alliance, particularly from Russia, and has called for a significant increase in defense spending. In a speech at the Carnegie Europe think-tank in Brussels, Rutte emphasized the need for NATO members to adopt a 'wartime mindset' to prepare for potential future conflicts. He highlighted that the security situation is currently the worst he has seen in his lifetime and warned that NATO is not adequately prepared for the threats expected in the coming years. Rutte pointed out that during the Cold War, NATO countries spent over 3% of their GDP on defense, suggesting that a similar or higher level of investment might be necessary now. He also mentioned that 23 of the 32 NATO allies are expected to meet the current 2% GDP defense spending target, but stressed that this is insufficient given the current geopolitical climate. Rutte's comments come as European NATO members discuss raising their defense spending target to 3% of GDP, partly in anticipation of Donald Trump's return as US president, who has previously criticized NATO allies for not spending enough on defense. Rutte also warned about China's ambitions and the need to be vigilant against cyber attacks, noting that Russia is preparing for a long-term confrontation with Ukraine and NATO.