Stoltenberg announced the growth of defense spending in Europe due to Russian threat (2% of their GDP)

The defence spending of European countries-members of NATO in 2016 will rise for the first time in nearly ten years because of the threat of “Russian aggression” and the migration crisis. This was stated in an interview with The Financial Times, the Secretary General of the Alliance Jens Stoltenberg.

“The forecast for 2016 is based on data from member countries of the Alliance, indicates that 2016 will be the first year with increased spending by the European allies on defense for the first time in many, many years,” Stoltenberg said.

Specific numbers, NATO Secretary General did not lead, however, the FT notes that in 2016, the European members of the Alliance spent on defense 253 billion dollars, whereas the US 618 billion. Given the commitments to provide for the defense of at least 2% of GDP, European countries, NATO members must increase spending on its armed forces for another $ 100 billion per year.

The largest increase in defense spending occurred in the Baltic countries. In particular, Latvia has increased its military budget by 60 percent, Lithuania — 35%, Estonia — by 9 percent. In addition, 9 percent will increase military spending Poland.

On 25 may, the Russian foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Russia will take measures to neutralize threats to national security due to the buildup of NATO forces near its borders.

On 24 may, the defense Ministers of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia suggested to create in the Baltic States visa-free space for troops and weapons of the Alliance. In General, the statement of the defense Ministers of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania also noted that “Russia’s behavior raises serious concern and is a challenge to all NATO allies”.

May 23, Stoltenberg said that at the forthcoming summit in Warsaw will be made a watershed decision in the matter of the presence of forces of NATO in Eastern Europe. “So we will give a clear signal that an attack on one country is an attack on the whole NATO”, he concluded.
 [rushincrash.com]
31/5/16
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