Tue Jan 14 07:01:08 UTC 2025: ## European Defence Ministers Push Back Against Trump’s 5% Spending Demand

**WARSAW, Poland (January 14, 2025)** – Defence ministers from Germany, France, Britain, Italy, and Poland – Europe’s five largest military spenders – met near Warsaw to discuss increasing defence budgets in the face of President-elect Donald Trump’s demand for a 5% of GDP expenditure. While acknowledging the need for increased spending, the ministers expressed reservations about Trump’s target, citing economic challenges and the need for a more holistic approach to security.

The meeting, the second in a newly established format following Trump’s re-election, focused on supporting Ukraine and bolstering its weapons production amid anticipated shifts in US policy under the incoming administration. Concerns were raised about Trump potentially pressuring Ukraine into making unacceptable concessions to Russia.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized the group’s commitment to a just peace for Ukraine, where Kyiv retains a voice in its future. He highlighted the impracticality of Germany reaching the 5% target, stating it would consume over 40% of the national budget. Similarly, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto acknowledged the need for increased spending but stressed the competing priority of economic recovery. He suggested integrating defence spending with economic stimulus through the European defence industry.

French Defence Minister Sébastien Lecornu argued that increased security spending shouldn’t solely focus on military capabilities. He highlighted the need to address cyberattacks, terrorism, and other non-military threats, emphasizing that the current global security landscape is more complex than during the Cold War, requiring a broader approach to national defence. He criticised the fixation on percentage targets without considering the broader strategic goals. The ministers ultimately agreed on the need for increased spending, but pushed back against Trump’s specific demand, prioritizing a strategic approach over arbitrary numerical targets.

Read More