Greece Among Over 20 NATO Allies to Meet Defence Spending Target in 2024

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg announced that more than 20 NATO members, including Greece, will meet the alliance's target of allocating at least 2% of GDP to defense spending in 2024. This milestone reflects a significant increase in military expenditure since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.

Speaking at the White House, Stoltenberg highlighted that the number of NATO allies meeting the 2% GDP target has more than doubled from less than 10 members five years ago. He noted that defence spending across Europe and Canada is set to rise by 18% this year, the largest increase in decades.

Stoltenberg, in a speech at the Wilson Center, emphasized that increased defense spending by NATO allies benefits both Europe and the United States. He mentioned that much of the additional funding is spent in the U.S., bolstering the transatlantic defense partnership.

Greece has consistently met the 2% GDP target since it was set at the 2014 NATO summit. At that time, only the United States, Greece, and Britain met the benchmark. NATO has since expanded to 32 members.

During his Washington visit, Stoltenberg prepared for the upcoming NATO summit in the U.S. capital, where defence spending and Russia's war against Ukraine will be key topics. He underscored the importance of avoiding delays in U.S. military aid to Ukraine, referencing an earlier disruption that must not be repeated.

President Joe Biden remarked on the significance of NATO's role amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, highlighting the strengthening of NATO's eastern flank and the alliance's commitment to defending all member territories.

Stoltenberg attributed the rise in defence spending to the increased security threats posed by Russia, particularly following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. He acknowledged past criticisms, notably from former U.S. President Donald Trump, regarding European contributions to NATO, but stressed that European allies are now significantly enhancing their defense investments.

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