NATO called on Germany to increase its defence spending and to intensify its military production.
North Atlantic Alliance Secretary-General Mark Rutte stressed that Germany has taken crucial steps in this area since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, but that is inactive not enough.
“Germany has done quite a few good things since the beginning of the war in Ukraine,” Rutte said in an interview with the Sunday edition of the German paper Bild.
The Dutch politician referred to Berlin's key military support to Kiev and to the establishment of the Bundeswehr base in Lithuania. This base aims to strengthen the protection of the Baltic States against Russia's possible aggression.
Despite Germany's actions to date, the Secretary-General of NATO believes that their economical possible allows even greater commitment to defence.
“But given the size of the German economy, we naturally want them to do much more” – stated Rutte.
In his view, Germany must increase its defence spending as this will be essential in the face of expanding threats.
“Germany must increase its defence spending, this will be necessary” stressed the politician.
He besides called for increased arms production, pointing to the request to prepare Europe for a possible conflict.
“We must prepare for war. This is the best way to avoid war” He said.
This is simply a clear mention to the proverb of ancient Romans Si vis pacem, para bellum If you want peace, prepare for war.
As a justification for his demands, Rutte identified increasing threats to Europe's security.
“Not only is the situation with Russia dangerous, but the Chinese are besides enormously expanding their military capabilities” - He warned me.
Therefore, all NATO countries, including the United States, should increase their commitment to defence. Rutte stressed that NATO is conducting talks on raising minimum military spending.
“How advanced the fresh NATO spending mark will be, it is under discussion. But I can assure you of 1 thing: it will be much, much, much more than 2%" – he noted.
Currently, all NATO countries have committed to spending at least 2% of GDP on defence. However, at the upcoming Alliance Summit in June, this goal can be raised.
U.S. president Donald Trump demands that NATO associate States devote 5% of GDP to defence – a level that even the United States has not yet achieved. Germany has increased its defence spending to just over 2%, but according to Rutte, their economical possible allows much more commitment.
The current discussions in NATO show crucial changes in the Alliance's defence policy. Key decisions can be made during the forthcoming summit, and the force on associate States, including Germany to devote more resources to defence, will only increase.
