This is reported by RBK-Ukraine, citing Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in an interview with Financial Times. The information comes from Kontrakty.UA.
It is noted that Poland is closest to achieving a new goal. The country allocated 4.7% of its GDP to defense this year, marking the highest percentage in NATO.
Before his return to the White House, Trump intensified pressure on NATO allies to increase their defense spending. Currently, only 23 out of 32 members have met the 2% GDP target.
"Achieving Trump's goal will take decades, but I believe he should not be criticized for setting a truly ambitious target, as otherwise, some countries will continue to debate whether additional spending is really necessary," said the Polish defense minister.
Błaszczak emphasized that the EU has the means to redistribute funds. According to the minister, his priority is to secure €100 billion for defense in the coming years, including redirecting unused funds from the €800 billion recovery fund that concludes next year.
"If we can afford to go into debt to recover from COVID, then we must definitely find the money to protect ourselves from war," he stated.
It is worth noting that President-elect Donald Trump has suggested the possibility of the U.S. exiting NATO. He links U.S. participation in NATO to funding, which he believes should be provided by European partners. Trump demands that Alliance members increase their defense spending to 5% of annual GDP.
According to Western media, NATO does not support Trump's idea regarding defense spending, but member countries are likely to agree to it.