NATO Secretary General calls for adopting a “war mentality” to confront Russia and China

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance needs to shift to a “war mentality” in the face of increasing aggression from Russia and new threats from China.
On Thursday, Rutte called on the alliance to “stimulate” defense production and spending, during a speech he delivered at an event organized by a research center in Brussels aimed at launching a discussion on military investment.
NATO allies must invest at least 2% of their gross domestic product in defence, but European members and Canada have often not reached this percentage in the past.
The United States has repeatedly criticized allies who have not invested enough, an issue that was particularly raised during the first administration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

War economy in Russia

Rutte added that the Russian economy is in a “state of war,” noting that in 2025 total military spending will reach 8-7% of the country’s GDP – its highest level since the Cold War.
While Rutte noted that defense spending is up from 10 years ago, when NATO first moved to increase investment after Russia’s annexation of Crimea, he said the allies are still spending less than they did during the Cold War.

This is despite the risks facing NATO, Rutte continued, “which are just as great, if not greater.”
He pointed out that the current percentage of GDP, which amounts to 2%, is not sufficient at all.

Spending to strengthen defense

Rutte stated that during the Cold War with the Soviet Union, Europeans spent more than 3% of their GDP on defence.
However, he refused to suggest this number as a new target.
Rutte highlighted current European government spending on pensions, healthcare systems and social care services as a potential source of funding.
He continued: “We need a small portion of this money to make our defenses much stronger, and to preserve our way of life.”