Europe, even with a significant increase in defense spending, will need time to turn these funds into real military capabilities, warn representatives of the U.S. and NATO.
The Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO acknowledged that by the end of this decade, Europe may achieve significant progress, but will still not be ready to fully take on the leading role in the defense of the continent, reports TV3 News.
Alex Grinkevich, the Supreme Allied Commander Europe of NATO, explained:
“The agreement reached at the summit in The Hague, which provides for allocating 5% of GDP for defense, is a very significant achievement and shows how seriously Europeans take their security. Now the main risk is whether these funds can be turned into real military capabilities, as this requires a defense industry capable of timely providing the necessary supplies. I would say that by the end of this decade, very significant progress will be made. The goal will not be fully achieved yet, but by 2035 — yes.”
Meanwhile, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee expressed concern that a too-rapid reduction of American troops in Europe would be risky, as Russian President Vladimir Putin might perceive it as a sign of weakness.
Leave a comment