If we don't spend considerably more than 2% on defence, we will have to do Russian language courses – Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has stressed in his conversation with European Parliament members that he believes defence spending at a level of 2% is insufficient to ensure the safety of allies in the next four to five years.

Rutte noted during a European Parliament committee meeting that he is deeply concerned about the security situation in Europe. "We are not at war, but we are not at peace either," he stated.

Rutte stressed that allies must urgently invest more in defence and defence production, improve process efficiency and strengthen the resilience of their societies and critical infrastructure in order to protect their people and way of life.

He welcomed the fact that many countries had reached the 2% defence spending target in 2024 but pointed out that this is now insufficient. 

"To stay safe in the years to come, allies will need to spend considerably more than 2% [...] Spending more on defence means spending less on other priorities. But it can make a big difference for our future," Rutte said.

"The 2%... Everything I'm seeing at this moment is not nearly enough, and if we don't do it, we are safe now, but not in four or five years. So if you don't do it, get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand."

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that allies should consider defence spending above 2% of GDP, regardless of "the Trump factor", citing future security challenges that demand higher investment.

US President-elect Trump has confirmed that he considers it necessary for NATO members to spend 5% of their GDP on defence.