Dutch PM says EU’s need to increase defense spending does not depend on whether former US president is re-elected
Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte told the Munich security conference on Saturday that Europe should spend more on defense and increase ammunition production to boost its security and help Ukraine.
He said the need to improve the bloc’s defense capabilities does not depend on whether former US President Donald Trump is re-elected this November.
He was referring to Trump’s warning earlier this month that if re-elected he would withhold military protection from NATO member states that do not spend enough on defense. All members of the alliance are required to allocate 2% of their GDP on defence, although most fail to meet the target.
Trump’s comments were met with discomfort in Europe and Rutte said he had heard many complaints about the possible consequences for his re-election. However, according to the official, these concerns are beside the point.
‘Stop moaning, complaining and complaining about Trump. We don’t spend more on defense or increase ammunition production because Trump might come back. It’s up to the Americans. I’m not American, I can’t vote in America. “Whoever is on the dance floor, we have to work with them,” he said.
Rutte argued that increasing defense spending is in the interests of all NATO members, and warned that if Russia ‘succeeds in Ukraine, it will have ramifications for all of us in terms of our collective security and defence.’ According to the official, his country is already in the ‘top league’ in spending, especially with Germany and Norway and will continue to do so.
Rutte said that following his discussions with US politicians during the conference in Munich, he was ‘cautiously optimistic’ that Washington’s next military aid package for Ukraine will ultimately be passed. US lawmakers failed to approve $60 billion in additional funding for Kiev before leaving for winter recess, but are set to resume discussions on the package later this month.
