NATO Chief Urges Higher European Defense Budgets and Production Boost

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for increased defense spending and accelerated military production in Europe to bolster security. In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Rutte stressed that Europe must spend more and ramp up defense manufacturing on both sides of the Atlantic.

“For too long, we have produced too little,” Rutte said, emphasizing the urgent need for ammunition, tanks, ships, jets, satellites, and drones. His remarks come as European nations scramble to strengthen defense capabilities amid growing uncertainty over U.S. support, following Donald Trump’s decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine.

Germany is set to debate changes to borrowing rules on March 13 to secure funding for defense, alongside a €500 billion infrastructure package. EU leaders have also discussed joint defense loans and easing budget restrictions to accommodate military spending.

Rutte revealed that he has engaged with defense manufacturers, urging them to scale production to meet rising demand. The call for action aligns with NATO’s broader efforts to enhance European defense readiness in the face of geopolitical tensions.