Defence ministers from NATO member countries are meeting in Brussels today, with the issue expected to be the increase in defence spending, something the United States has urgently called for.
In remarks made upon his arrival, Alliance Secretary General Mark Rutte estimated that “we will agree on the targets for our defense capabilities,” essentially responding to Washington’s request for members to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of GDP. “What we will do today is decide what we need to defend ourselves,” Rutte said, adding: “So, as you know, to prepare for war, we have to spend more. And when we prepare for war, we will not be attacked. This will be a significant additional investment.”
When we need to spend more money, we need to spend more money.
The purpose of @NATO is to prevent wars through its strength. That’s why we want to see it grow stronger.
— U.S. Mission to NATO (@USNATO) June 5, 2025
Before 32 allied ministers meet for the final ministerial in preparation for the #NATOSummit, @SecGenNATO Rutte and @SecDef Hegseth meet the press. https://t.co/LXi2AdpWJu
For his part, US Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth, in brief remarks to reporters alongside Rutte, reiterated Washington’s request to allies to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP.
“Everybody has to do their best, every country has to contribute to that 5 percent level as a recognition of the nature of the threat,” he said. “It’s that hard power that prevents, and we can’t just rely on US capabilities alone.”
Hegseth added that the US is “proud to be here” and “standing with its allies,” but the message will “continue to be clear: deterrence, peace through strength, but it cannot be reliance on one.”
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