Portugal urges for increased NATO contribution because of Putin, not Trump
Photo: Portuguese Defense Minister Nuno Melo (flickr.com/aliancademocratica2024)
Portuguese Defense Minister, Nuno Melo, has emphasized the need to strengthen the nation's contribution to NATO's European pillar, attributing this necessity to Russia's actions, Euractiv reports.
"Not because of Trump, but because of Putin," stated Melo during his address at the closing of the Association of Auditors of National Defense Courses 2024 in Amadora, Lisbon.
The Minister warned that Russia is already operating under a wartime economy, with its defense investments by 2025 potentially surpassing the combined expenditures of all 27 European Union nations.
"This should make us all think," Melo warned, addressing the country's President, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, General Nunes da Fonseca.
Melo stressed that Portugal must increase its defense spending, referencing former Lithuanian Prime Minister Andrius Kubilius. The Portuguese Defense Minister also noted that the government is already taking steps toward this goal, aiming to increase spending by 2% of the gross domestic product on the military till 2029.
"However, I would also remind you of the statements made three days ago by NATO's Secretary General, who, certainly expressing the sentiment of the allies, warns that 2% is a target that may already need to be raised, and for this, he indicates figures higher than 3%," Melo added.
The Portuguese Defense Minister described the current geopolitical situation as "fraught with many uncertainties" and highlighted escalating Russian aggression, including North Korea's involvement.
"But it's good that we realize the path and where the world is leading us politically," the minister concluded.
Trump will become president
Donald Trump will be officially sworn in as the US President in late January 2025. However, questions remain about whether he will continue providing military aid to Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression.
Reports suggest Trump intends to focus on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, with unconfirmed claims that his team may consider freezing the hostilities along the current frontline.
Furthermore, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated that Europe must be ready to send military forces to Ukraine to support the potential peace agreement between Kyiv and Moscow, should Trump propose such a move.
