NATO Secretary General Calls for Increased Defence Spending
LISBON: NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has urged member states of the alliance to step up their defence spending beyond their common goal of 2% of national output, set a decade ago. This goal, he believes, is no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Rutte made this announcement alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro, who reiterated his country’s pledge to meet the 2% goal by 2029. In 2023, Portugal spent 1.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on its NATO commitments.
The Need for Increased Defence Spending
"We know that the goal of 2%, set a decade ago, will not be enough to meet the challenges of tomorrow," Rutte said. "That means we need to spend more on our defence now." This call for increased defence spending comes as NATO allies prepare to discuss whether to raise the current 2% target at a summit in the Hague this summer. The pressure to do so comes from US President Donald Trump, who has been pushing NATO allies to raise their defence spending to 5% of GDP – a target no NATO member currently meets.
Russian Aggression and the Need for Increased Defence Spending
Rutte also reiterated Western accusations that Russia is trying to destabilize NATO member states with a range of tactics, including assassination attempts, cyber-attacks, and sabotage, while waging a brutal war of aggression against Ukraine. Moscow denies these allegations, stating that its military actions in Ukraine are aimed at bolstering its own national security.
Portugal’s Pledge to Meet the 2% Target
Montenegro emphasized that Portugal is seeking ways to bring forward the date for meeting the 2% target, but this will depend on the country finding a way to increase investments in defence without jeopardizing its small budget surplus.
Conclusion
In conclusion, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s call for increased defence spending is a timely one, given the challenges facing the alliance and the world today. As Russia continues to pose a threat to global security, it is essential that NATO members step up their defence spending to meet the challenges of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the current defence spending goal for NATO members?
The current goal is 2% of national output, set a decade ago. - Why is this goal no longer sufficient?
According to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, the goal of 2% is no longer sufficient to meet the challenges of tomorrow, and increased defence spending is necessary. - What is the proposed new target?
US President Donald Trump has called for NATO allies to raise their defence spending to 5% of GDP, but this target is currently not being met by any NATO member. - How will Portugal meet its 2% target?
Portugal is seeking ways to bring forward the date for meeting the 2% target, but this will depend on the country finding a way to increase investments in defence without jeopardizing its small budget surplus.