At the NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels, Secretary General Mark Rutte announced broad support for a significant increase in defense spending, suggesting a target of 5% of GDP. This move is driven by the growing threats from Russia and a general rise in global tensions. While current NATO guidelines suggest spending 2% of GDP, many members fall short, prompting discussions on achieving the proposed goal. The division of the spending plan allows for flexibility, with specific allocations for core defense and security-related investments.
"I will propose an overall investment plan that would total 5% of gross domestic product in defense investment," Rutte announced, highlighting the urgency of increased defense spending.
Current NATO guidelines encourage states to spend 2% of their economic output on their militaries. But not all members meet this target, raising questions of compliance.
Trump has long criticized NATO allies for relying on the US' large military might, emphasizing the need for collective contribution towards defense spending.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized, "Every shoulder has to be to the plough. Every country has to contribute at that level of 5%."
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