'Fund defence or prepare to learn Russian or emigrate to New Zealand,' NATO chief says

'Fund defence or prepare to learn Russian or emigrate to New Zealand,' NATO chief says
NATO's Dutch Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Credit: Belga / John Thys

NATO chief Mark Rutte has urged EU Member States to drastically increase their defence spending, or prepare to face disastrous consequences.

During a talk in the European Parliament addressing Foreign Affairs and Security and Defence committees' members, Secretary General Rutte immediately addressed the topic at hand: Russia's invasion against Ukraine, which has been raging for 1,056 days.

"Russia is accelerating its destabilisation campaign against our own countries with cyber-attacks, assassination attempts, acts of sabotage and more," he said. "We are not at war, but we are not at peace either."

European military and security experts have warned that Europe risks becoming Russia's next target, should Ukraine fall. Rutte therefore noted that stronger defence is his top priority. "This is about spending more, spending better, but also producing more – not to provoke war, but to prevent war."

Safe, but only for now

Two thirds of NATO allies (23 of the 32 members) now meet the target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defence. "But to be honest, 2% is not nearly enough. If we don't [increase funding], we are safe now, but not in four or five years," he noted.

He therefore called on EU Member States to drastically increase their defence spending, strengthen their capabilities and send more aid to Ukraine. "If you don't do it, then start your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand." Over the next three or four months, decisions on this spending should be made "to stay safe in this part of the world and defend ourselves."

The timing of this talk is significant: incoming US President Donald Trump will take the oath of office on Monday 20 January. Trump has called for an increase in the defence budget to 5% of GDP. Rutte has said a target "north of 3%" seems likely. He added that he is convinced that the US will stay in NATO.

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