NATO members have shown progress in meeting defense spending obligations, with 18 out of 31 expected to reach the two percent GDP target in 2024.
This increase follows calls by President Trump for allies to fulfill their commitments.
European NATO members have seen a rise in defense spending since Trump’s presidency, reaching a projected two percent in 2024.
Netherlands Tells NATO Members to Heed Trump Call, Pay Defence Share https://t.co/Tzjr3udlU9
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) October 6, 2019
Despite improvements, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasizes that two percent is a minimum requirement, urging members to strive for more.
Stoltenberg said, “We can never take peace for granted, but there is no imminent military threat against any NATO ally. NATO will continue there is no room for miscalculation in Moscow about our readiness and resolve to protect all allies… we should give no room for miscalculation or misunderstanding.”
“We are making real progress. Today I can announce our latest figures. Since the investment pledge was made in 2014, European allies and Canada have added more than $600 billion for defence. Last year we saw an unprecedented rise of 11 per cent, across European allies and Canada. This year, I expect 18 allies to spend two per cent of their GDP on defence. That is another record number, a six-fold increase from 2014 when only three allies met the target,” he continued.
Trump Emerges from NATO Emergency Session Victorious, Alliance Members Will Pay More https://t.co/pInm6d1ljL
— Breitbart London (@BreitbartLondon) July 12, 2018
While Trump’s pressure has influenced spending, Stoltenberg warns against taking his recent remarks on NATO lightly.
Trump recently posted, “You didn’t pay? You’re delinquent?… No I would not protect you. In fact, I would encourage them to do whatever the hell they want. You gotta pay. You gotta pay your bills.”
There is acknowledgment among European leaders that more investment in defense is necessary for Europe’s security.
The Times of London reported, “After all, many European leaders concede that he basically has a point… [defence spending is] nowhere close to where they need to be if Europe is to take primary responsibility for its own defence.”
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