NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has called on Germany to significantly increase its defense spending and increase weapons production. Germany must “spend more and produce more,” Rutte told the popular German media outlet Bild. Germany must “continue to follow” the path it has chosen, both in Europe and in Ukraine.
Germany has “done a lot of things right” since the start of the Russian war in Ukraine, the NATO chief stressed. “But: Given the size of the German economy, we want them to do a lot more,” Rutte justified the request by, among other things, the threat posed by Russia. “I tell you very clearly: we must prepare for war. That is the best way to avoid war. “Otherwise Russia could try something. Just like they did in Ukraine.”
But from Rutte's perspective, the dangers don't just come from Russia. The Chinese have also "tremendously expanded" their military capabilities.
The NATO alliance chief also announced that the future defense spending quota will be above two percent. More than two-thirds of NATO partners now spend more than two percent on weapons. This is thanks in part to US President Donald Trump.
Alliance partners will decide on the exact details of the assessment in the coming months, Rutte said, with a view to the next NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands, in June. "But I can assure you of one thing: it will be much, much, much more than two percent."
At the summit, diplomats expect bitter bargaining over a higher target initially of three or 3.5 percent. In this context, Rutte called on alliance partners to show greater solidarity. “NATO must stand together as an alliance. But the burden must be shared fairly between Europe, Canada and the US. So that the Americans do not pay too much and we do not pay too little.” (A2 Televizion)
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