NATO's Rutte Pushes for Major Defense Spending Surge to Counter Russia | Times Now World

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for a significant increase in defense spending by member states to counter global threats, particularly from Russia, during a press conference following a defense ministers’ meeting in Brussels. Warning that inadequate military budgets could leave Europeans vulnerable, Rutte endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump’s push for a 5% GDP defense spending target, far above the current 2% goal met by only 24 of 32 members. Facing concerns about diverting funds from social programs, Rutte proposed a potential compromise of 3.6% to 3.7% GDP spending at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, alongside joint procurement and innovation to manage costs. Despite resistance from leaders like Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who called the 5% target “unrealistic,” Rutte emphasized the urgency for Europe to bolster its defenses and share more responsibility within the alliance. #tnworld #timesnowworld #worldnews #internationalnews #timesnews #newsworld ​Subscribe now: http://bit.ly/3VHIl37 Times Now World is your definitive source for comprehensive global news and analysis. At Times Now World, we bring you breaking news and real-time updates on US news, US elections, Trump, Biden, Putin, Zelensky, Russia-Ukraine war, Israel-Hamas conflict, Gaza, China-Taiwan tensions, Hungary news, NATO updates, and EU developments. Stay informed with our in-depth coverage of politics, economics, and current affairs, exclusively on Times Now World. Explore diverse perspectives and expert insights on international relations, technology, and more, all on Times Now World. Engage with dynamic discussions on global issues, including NATO news and EU updates, on Times Now World. Follow compelling stories and impactful reports on Times Now World. Discover the pulse of international affairs with Times Now World's extensive coverage of global events.