NATO chief announces increases in allies’ defense spending

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has announced large increases in defense spending by the allied countries of the organization.

Stoltenberg was talking at a press conference held Friday at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, ahead of the NATO leaders’ meeting next week in London. The meeting will mark the alliance’s 70th anniversary.

The NATO chief said that 2019 was the fifth consecutive year of growth in defense spending across Canada and European allies, with the increase being 4.6%.

The secretary general disclosed that those allied countries will have invested well over $100 billion more since 2016 by the end of 2020.

“In fact, this figure now stands at 130 billion,” said Stoltenberg, adding that the accumulated increase in defense spending by European allies and Canada by the end of 2024 will be $400 billion.

“This is unprecedented progress and it is making NATO stronger,” the NATO boss said.

Defense spending increases are not just by Canada and European allies.

The NATO head said that more allies are meeting NATO’s guideline of spending 2% GDP on defense, with nine meeting the recommendation this year, up from only three some years back.

“And the majority of Allies have plans in place to reach 2 % by 2024,” Stoltenberg said, adding, “Allies are also investing billions more in new capabilities. And contributing to NATO deployments around the world.”

Stoltenberg was quick to note that although NATO is making good progress on the budget front, allies must not be complacent.

“We must keep up the momentum,” said the NATO chief. “This includes having more forces at higher readiness.”

Pointing out that last year in Brussels, the leaders launched the Readiness Initiative to get 40 battalions, 30 air squadrons and 30 combat ships ready within 30 days, Stoltenberg stated that his organization has made considerable progress.

“Allies have already designated over 90 % of these forces,” said Stoltenberg. “And I expect leaders will be making further announcements next week.”

The transcript and audio of the NATO leader’s speech may be accessed on the organization’s website, here.

Image via NATO's Newsroom