NATO chief warns EU: Up defense budget or face tough choices
The head of NATO, Mark Rutte is urging EU countries to increase defense spending beyond 2% of GDP. During a debate in the European Parliament, he stressed that current allocations might not suffice in the future.
In his appeal to EU nations, Rutte bluntly stated, "Start learning Russian or move to New Zealand," suggesting a stark choice for residents of countries considering reducing their defense budgets. This provocative statement is intended to galvanize EU countries into boosting their financial commitments to defense.
Discussing with Members of the European Parliament, the NATO Secretary General expressed concerns that even enhanced expenditures might eventually be inadequate for ensuring Europe's safety.
NATO Chief: "Those who do not want to spend more on defense should start learning Russian now"
"While we are safe for now without increasing spending, this won't happen in 4-5 years. If you don't act now, sign up for Russian lessons or move to New Zealand," Rutte urged the parliamentarians.
He highlighted that increased defense spending might limit other expenditures, such as social spending. Rutte noted that NATO's collective defense requires the commitment of all members, not just those on the eastern flank.
The NATO head underscored the necessity of collaborating with non-European allies and boosting the European defense industry's production. Rutte will participate in a NATO summit in Helsinki focusing on Baltic security issues.
Additionally, Rutte emphasized that the European defense industry must ramp up production. He urged the avoidance of barriers that could prevent companies from non-EU NATO countries from engaging in defense industry development projects.
Source: RMF FM
