go to the original language article
BRUSSELS – NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday called on Europeans to spend more on defense, saying that otherwise they should learn Russian or go to New Zealand.
“If you don’t do that, take a course in Russian or go to New Zealand,” Rutte said in a discussion at a joint meeting of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, the Subcommittee on Defense and Security, and the parliamentary delegation for relations with NATO.
Rutte emphasized that Europe must invest more in defensive capabilities, strengthen resilience and continue to help Ukraine.
“We know how to protect our citizens and the European way of life, now we just have to do it,” Rutte said.
He added that the current goal of allocating two percent for defense is nowhere near enough. “To remain safe, allies will have to spend significantly more on defense,” Rutte said, adding that it should be above three percent of GDP, around 3.6 or 3.7 percent.
He warned that the future of Europe depends on the outcome of the war in Ukraine.
“We want lasting peace. If Putin achieves his goals, peace will not last. We are currently safe, but we may not be in five years,” Rutte said.
He warned that it is unrealistic to think of a European NATO without the United States, saying that it would take 10 to 15 years and spending between eight and 10 percent of GDP on defense. (January 13, 2025)