NATO Member Countries Bordering Russia Call for Increased Defense Spending
NATO member countries bordering Russia are advocating for a boost in defense spending to at least 2.5% of GDP in order to effectively counter potential threats. Analysts suggest that diplomatic efforts are necessary to achieve these goals, as current funding levels are considered insufficient.
Estonia Supports Increase in Defense Spending
Countries like Estonia are in favor of increasing defense spending to 3% of GDP, especially in the wake of the war in Ukraine and looming threats from Russia. However, opposition is expected from countries like France and Germany, where higher defense spending is viewed as a political risk.
Challenges Ahead for NATO Summit
Tuuli Dueneton, Estonia’s Deputy Secretary of Defense Policy, highlighted the importance of boosting defense spending within the Alliance. Despite the significant reasons for doing so, convincing all allies may prove to be a difficult task, with negotiations potentially extending into the next year.
Dueneton noted that the Baltic countries are exploring various options to enhance the deployment of NATO forces on the eastern flank in the event of a crisis.
