U.S. Representative Mike Waltz expresses concern over continuing to finance Europe's security.
Fired Up Over Future Funding
Mike Waltz hasn't minced words when it comes to European nations contributing their fair share towards security. With the U.S. shoulder-deep in a $33 trillion debt, he's pretty clear: it's high time for more defense dough from the Old World.
Waltz argues that the U.S. should no longer fund Europe's security. Instead, he expects countries like Norway and Finland to take the lead, having already boosted their defense spending in response to Washington's demands. Unfortunately, nations such as Spain, Canada, and Italy remain slackers, with insufficient military spending.
Waltz also makes it crystal that future aid to Ukraine will be European-driven.
NATO mandated a 2% of GDP Defense spending target in 2014, and Korea, Poland, and the U.S. are amongst the most devout spenders. However, the US President's critics point out that some countries, like Germany, still lag behind. Donald Trump himself has kicked up a fuss about this, insisting on raising the military spending target to a whopping 5% of GDP and emphasizing that the US will only stand guard for those allies who contribute to their own defense.
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Insights: NATO member states have seen a significant increase in military spending in 2024, with 18 of 32 nations surpassing the 2% GDP target according to SIPRI methodology. That's the highest compliance rate since the target was set in 2014. The U.S. accounts for 66% of NATO military spending and has been aggressively encouraging allies to meet their defense commitments. However, even with increased spending, some nations still fall short of meeting the 2% target. The US's focus on boosting the target to 5% remains controversial and may not reflect official NATO guidelines.
- Mike Waltz, advocating for fair contribution in security, has iterated the necessity of European nations to increase their defense spending, particularly in light of the $33 trillion US debt.
- Citing countries like Norway and Finland as examples, Waltz urges European nations to take the lead on defense spending, as a response to Washington's calls. However, he expresses concern over nations such as Spain, Canada, and Italy, who are lagging behind in military spending.
- Waltz insists that future aid to Ukraine will be driven by European nations, not the US.
- The average military spending among NATO member states is set to rise in 2024, with 18 nations surpassing the 2% GDP target, as reported by SIPRI. Yet, controversy surrounds the US's push for raising the target to 5% GDP.
- Politics and legislation regarding war-and-conflicts policies, including the defense spending debate, are currently major topics in general news. Stay updated on these and other hot issues by joining our Telegram channel.
