Politico reports that Mark Rutte, the new NATO secretary-general, told the European Parliament on January 13 that EU leaders must boost defense budgets. Otherwise, Europeans might as well “get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand.”
He reportedly also called for raising the alliance’s defense spending target beyond its current benchmark of 2 percent of each country’s GDP — a goal that only 24 of the bloc’s 32 members currently meet.
Rutte said one of his priorities is to “bring NATO and the E.U. closer together” to counter an ongoing Russian “destabilization campaign” and address other threats, including those from Iran and China.
Politico notes that despite growing qualms over Trump, who has threatened the independence of Canada, and didn't rule out using force to seize the Panama Canal or to take over Greenland, Rutte insisted that Europe is still tied to the U.S. for its security needs. He thinks it was an "illusion" to think Europe can go it alone on defense.
"NATO and the European Union have a lot to do together," Rutte said — specifically mentioning the effort to help Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
However, he was cautious about the EU intruding too far into NATO territory, mentioning the alliance "is strong" on issues like setting standards for artillery ammunition, but that the EU's internal market will be crucial in boosting military production, according to Politico.
On Ukraine, he insisted that peace can only come from a deal that serves Kyiv's interests.
