U.S. President Donald Trump is correct in stating that the European Union invests insufficiently in defense, said EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, as reported by Euronews.
“Last year, Member States collectively spent an average 1.9 percent of GDP (gross domestic product) on defense. Russia is spending 9 percent,” Kallas stated at the annual conference of the EU’s defense agency.
Kallas emphasized that Russia could challenge the EU’s readiness for self-defense within the next 3 to 5 years, making it crucial for the EU to strengthen its military capabilities.
“We spend billions on our schools, healthcare and welfare. But if we don’t invest more in defense, all of this is at risk,” she added.
Earlier, Trump had called on NATO members, including European nations, to increase their defense spending to 5 percent of economic output, up from the current 2 percent threhold.
“President Trump is right to say we don’t spend enough. It is time to invest. We need investment from Member States and the private sector, but also from the common European Union budget,” Kallas said.
She also warned that Europe’s failure to invest in military capabilities sends a dangerous signal to Russia. However, she remains confident that with Europe’s support, Ukraine can prevail.
“There is absolutely no doubt we can do more to help Ukraine. With our help, they can win the war,” Kallas said.
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