NATO Chief Mark Rutte Calls on MEPs to Increase Defense Spending Amid Rising Global Threats

In a pivotal speech at the European Parliament on Monday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged European lawmakers to prioritize defense spending in response to growing global security threats. Speaking for the first time since his appointment in October 2024, Rutte emphasized the increasing vulnerabilities of the European Union, which he said is facing destabilizing actions from Russia, China, and Iran.
“We know what we need to do: invest more, boost the resilience of our communities and critical infrastructure, and send more aid to Ukraine,” Rutte told the Parliament. He stressed that NATO and the European Union must work “hand in hand” to address these pressing security challenges.
Rutte’s speech came at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, as NATO countries are grappling with external threats and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. In his remarks, he underscored that security does not come cheaply and urged parliamentarians to play a decisive role in advocating for increased defense funding in their respective countries.
“Stronger defense is my top priority. We need to spend more but also produce more,” Rutte declared. He acknowledged that two-thirds of European NATO members already meet the 2% GDP defense spending target set by the alliance. However, he argued that this is still insufficient in the face of rising threats. “2% is not enough. We need to spend more than that,” he said.
Rutte further pointed out the difficult trade-offs that countries face when allocating resources, noting that many European governments already dedicate up to a quarter of their GDP to pensions, healthcare, and social security. “More money for defense means less money for other priorities,” he said, urging lawmakers to recognize the need for a balanced but urgent approach to national security.
The NATO chief’s comments reflect a growing consensus within the alliance that defense budgets need to be significantly increased to enhance military readiness and deterrence capabilities. As NATO continues to support Ukraine and counter the influence of adversarial nations, the question of defense spending remains a critical issue in European politics.
While many European lawmakers agree on the need for stronger defense, Rutte’s call for more investment will likely intensify debates within the European Parliament, particularly among those who advocate for a more balanced allocation of resources that includes social and economic investments.