NATO Chief Urges Bolstering Defense Spending
(MENAFN) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized on Monday that member nations must substantially boost their military expenditures well beyond the existing threshold of 2 percent of GDP.
He cited escalating dangers posed by Russia, China, and North Korea as driving factors behind this urgent appeal.
During a speech in Vilnius ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, Rutte underlined that the current defense spending goal is "not nearly enough" to address the alliance’s strategic security requirements in the long run.
Rutte issued a stark warning about future vulnerabilities, explaining that while NATO is currently capable of defending itself against Russian aggression, this may not remain the case in the coming years.
“We can defend ourselves now against Russia, but we can't in three to five to seven years,” he warned, referencing recent remarks by Germany’s chief of defense.
He stressed the necessity of preparing for the future, saying readiness will demand "considerably more than the 2 percent."
The Secretary General highlighted Russia’s accelerated military buildup and noted a tightening alliance among Russia, China, and North Korea.
"We know that the Russians are really reconstituting themselves at a rapid pace. We know that there's a Chinese build-up. We know that China, Russia and North Korea are working together," he remarked.
Addressing Ukraine, Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s enduring pledge to support Kyiv’s eventual membership.
He stated: "There was a clear commitment by all 32 Allies that there is an irreversible path for Ukraine to come into NATO."
Though no definitive timetable was offered, he stressed that the alliance's dedication is unwavering, and cooperative efforts are continuing to progress.
In addition, Rutte extended his congratulations to Poland following its latest election outcomes and expressed optimism about working with the country’s incoming government to further reinforce NATO’s eastern frontier.
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