Rutte: Without Increased Defense Spending, Europeans May Need to "Get Out Your Russian Language Courses"

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member states to increase defense spending and improve military production to maintain security in the coming years. Speaking in Brussels on January 13, Rutte outlined the need for stronger defense measures to address future challenges.

"Strengthening defense is a priority," Rutte said. "This means spending more, spending more effectively, and increasing production—not to provoke conflict, but to prevent it."

He acknowledged progress made by NATO allies, with two-thirds of members now meeting the 2% of GDP target for defense spending. However, Rutte noted that this benchmark may no longer be sufficient.

"To stay safe in the years to come, allies will need to spend considerably more than 2%," he said.

Rutte emphasized the importance of acting quickly.

"We are secure now, but that may not be the case in five years. We need to begin today—spending more, increasing production, and ensuring resilience," Rutte stated. He later added: if defense spending does not increase, Europeans might need to "get out your Russian language courses or go to New Zealand."

Previously, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing in Brussels, announced plans to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense capabilities with the delivery of 19 air defense systems.