NATO head warns EU to boost defence or face consequences
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged EU countries to increase their defence spending beyond 2% of GDP. During a debate in the European Parliament, he emphasised that current expenditure levels may not be adequate in the future.
In the same debate, NATO head Mark Rutte appealed to EU nations to increase defence spending above 2% of GDP. Start learning Russian or move to New Zealand," he remarked bluntly, suggesting the choices for residents of countries reluctant to spend more on defence.
This argument, employed by Mark Rutte, is designed to mobilise EU nations to enhance their funding. The Secretary General of the Alliance discussed with Members of the European Parliament that even such expenditures might not suffice in the future to ensure Europe's security.
NATO Chief: "Those who do not want to spend more on defence should start learning Russian"
"If we do not spend more, we may be safe now, but not in 4-5 years. If you don't do this, sign up for Russian lessons or move to New Zealand," he bluntly told the MEPs.
Rutte stressed that increasing defence spending involves reducing other expenditures, such as social spending. He noted that NATO's collective defence requires the participation of all members, not only those on the eastern flank.
The head of NATO highlighted the need for cooperation with non-European allies and for boosting the production of the European defence industry. Rutte will take part in the NATO Baltic countries summit in Helsinki, where Baltic security issues will be discussed.
Rutte mentioned that the European defence industry must increase its production. He urged the removal of barriers that prevent companies from non-EU NATO countries from participating in defence industry development projects.
Source: RMF FM
