Why is this important?
Currently, more than 2 thirds of NATO associate States spend more than 2% of GDP on reinforcements. To a large extent, this is the consequence of pressures exerted by US president Donald Trump, who, during his election campaign, called on allies to increase their defence spending and to devote 5% of their GDP to arms, while NATO's mark to date was at least 2%. Germany barely meets this request and 7 EU countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal and Belgium, do not meet the required expenditure.
What did Mark Rutte say?
Germany has “done a large deal of good” since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine,” noted the NATO chief. “ However, given the size of the German economy, we naturally anticipate them to do much more,” he added.
Rutte explained his request, pointing to a threat from Russia. “Let me be very clear: we must prepare for war. It's the best way to avoid it.
Europe cannot "show weakness" towards Russia. — Otherwise Russia may have something, as it did in Ukraine,” said Rutte, adding that Moscow is not the only threat to Europe’s security. “ The Chinese are besides expanding their military capabilities enormously, ” he explained.
Rutte called on the Alliance partners to cooperate more closely, stressing that "NATO must stick together". However, he pointed out that the burden of work should be shared reasonably between Europe, Canada and the USA, so that the Americans did not bear besides much costs and that Europe was not besides burdened.
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