Trump's contentious NATO stance risks European alliances, amid surging defence budgets
11 February 2024 12:45
In a Saturday rally in South Carolina, the likely contender to Joe Biden in the November election, Trump recalled a conversation with a NATO country leader, without revealing the individual's identity.
Trump's provocative statement
Trump claimed that, "One of the Presidents of a major country asked if we would protect them if they were attacked by Russia despite failing to pay their dues. I responded: No, I would give Russia free rein. You need to pay your dues," Trump declared.
His remarks have triggered substantial commentary.
Rise in Europe's defence expenditure
According to a report by the Stockholm Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in 2022, Europe's defence spending experienced a 13% surge, the most significant increase since the Cold War. During the same period, Poland amped its military expenditure by 11%, standing among the frontrunners, including Finland, Lithuania, and Sweden.
Finland, which applied to join NATO in 2022 and became a member in early April 2023, leads the pack. The nation boosted its military budget by 36% - the most significant rise since 1962. Following in second place is Lithuania, with an increase of 27%, and Sweden with an uptick of 12%. After raising its defence budget by 11%, Poland is now fourth among European countries.
In total, in 2022, the military expenditure of Central and Western Europe swelled to $345 billion, 30% higher than in 2013.
