NATO allies are increasing their own defense budgets due to statements by US President Donald Trump. A record 18 of 31 member countries will meet NATO's defense spending target this year.
NATO defense spending
According to Bloomberg, European allies are working to achieve NATO's goal — spend at least 2% of GDP on defense, Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters.
According to the NATO Secretary General, allied countries are making real steps forward, although some are still far from the final goal.
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When asked about recent statements by Donald Trump, Jens Stoltenberg noted that NATO has been able to prevent a large-scale military attack against any ally for 75 years.
— We did this because everyone in NATO was absolutely clear at all times that we were there to protect all allies. We must not give room for miscalculations or misunderstandings in Moscow regarding our readiness, commitment and determination to defend all allies, — states Stoltenberg.
European allies and Canada will add more than $600 billion to defense spending since the 2014 investment pledge, NATO Secretary General says.
Last year saw an unprecedented 11% rise in defense spending among European allies and Canada, he added.
