NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized the urgency of increasing defense spending in Europe, stressing the closeness of threats from Russia, Iran, and North Korea, stating: "From Brussels, it takes one day to drive to Ukraine. That's how close the Russian bombs are falling. It's how close the Iranian drones are flying. And not very much further, the North Korean soldiers are fighting." He framed the necessity for public support for enhanced investments in defense to strengthen European security and assist Ukraine.
Rutte addressed the need to satisfy the unpredictable nature of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding NATO funding, revealing: "We will need more time to consult amongst allies, what exactly the new level should be. But it is considerably more than 2%... if you would only spend more and not spend better, you have to go to at least 4%." Experts suggest that European countries should think strategically about how to present defense spending plans that align with American interests.
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