Wed Dec 04 20:38:24 UTC 2024: ## NATO Allies Urged to Boost Defence Spending Beyond 2% GDP Target

**Brussels, Belgium** – NATO allies are facing pressure to significantly increase their defence spending, with calls to surpass the current 2% of GDP target deemed insufficient to maintain deterrence in the face of ongoing geopolitical tensions. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, following a meeting of NATO foreign ministers, declared that the existing 2% target, while a step forward, is no longer enough to ensure the alliance’s security. This comes amid concerns about potential shifts in US policy under previous administrations and Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.

While 23 out of 32 NATO members are projected to meet the 2% target this year, a significant increase from just three in 2014, senior officials argue that the figure should serve as a minimum, not a maximum. The recent adoption of ambitious new plans to deploy up to 300,000 troops to NATO’s eastern flank within 30 days, designed to deter Russian aggression, may necessitate even higher spending, potentially reaching 3% of GDP.

The call for increased spending echoes sentiments expressed by several key figures. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the urgency of the situation, citing Russia’s actions in Ukraine and other global conflicts. Similarly, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in his final NATO meeting before leaving office, urged all allies to increase their commitment.

Rutte also highlighted the need for a strengthened European defence industry, emphasizing the need for increased production capacity to meet the demands of supporting Ukraine and replenishing depleted arsenals. He criticized the current system as producing insufficient quantities at high prices, with slow delivery times and excessive shareholder profits. The renewed focus on defence spending underscores the growing recognition among NATO allies of the evolving security landscape and the need for substantial investment to safeguard collective security.

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