Embassy of Germany in Washington, D.C.’s Post

#NATOalliance #defensespending 'A record 23 NATO countries out of 32 are hitting the alliance's 2 percent defense spending target, according to the latest NATO statistics released late Monday. Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Turkey are among those that reached the 2 percent figure for the first time. "Across Europe and Canada, NATO allies are, this year, increasing defense spending by 18 percent," NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said standing next to U.S. President Joe Biden at the White House on Monday. "That’s the biggest increase in decades." The fact 23 countries meet the target — which was set 10 years ago — makes it "more than twice as many as four years ago, and demonstrates that European allies and Canada are really stepping up and taking their share of the common responsibility to protect all of us in the NATO alliance." Poland tops the chart at 4.12 percent, followed by Estonia (3.43 percent), the U.S. (3.38 percent), Latvia (3.15 percent) and Greece (3.08 percent). Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia and Spain are among the lowest spenders.'

Hi Poland: A Key Contributor to NATO Defense Spending Poland has emerged as one of NATO's most critical and committed members in terms of defense spending. In recent years, the country has significantly increased its military budget, surpassing NATO's defense spending target of 2% of GDP. In 2023, Poland announced plans to allocate up to 4% of its GDP towards defense, making it one of the top contributors in proportional terms. This increase in spending reflects Poland's strategic importance in the alliance, particularly given its geographical position on NATO's eastern flank, bordering both Ukraine and Belarus. As tensions have escalated in Eastern Europe, Poland has become a front-line state in NATO's efforts to deter aggression from Russia. The country has invested heavily in modernizing its military, acquiring advanced weapons systems, and expanding its armed forces to strengthen both its national defense and NATO's collective security. Poland's commitment extends beyond financial contributions. It hosts key NATO bases, including U.S. troops and equipment, and plays a pivotal role in joint military exercises aimed at enhancing alliance readiness. Poland’s leadership in bolstering NATO’s defense posture underscores its vital role in ensuring the security of the alliance, particularly in the face of growing challenges in Eastern Europe. In short, Poland has positioned itself as not only a crucial player but a leader within NATO, demonstrating that its investments in defense are essential for the security of the entire alliance. #NATO #Poland #GovCon #SAME

Very interesting 17 minutes on BBC News about NATO spending. Key take-aways for Belgium by Gen. (ret.) Marc Thys 1️⃣ With 1,2%GDP for defense, Belgium is falling behind and risks to be isolated. 2️⃣ Yes, we are vulnerable with the NATO and EU headquarters on Belgian territory. 3️⃣ NATO’s strength relies on solidarity and unity. Defensie #defense https://lnkd.in/e8XGVvhu

𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗢 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗨𝗸𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲 NATO is offering a significant security package to Ukraine at its upcoming July summit, but membership for the war-torn nation remains on hold. US Ambassador to NATO Julianne Smith highlighted the upcoming package as a "bridge" to eventual membership, while acknowledging concerns about escalating the conflict with Russia. The package will include increased bilateral support for Ukraine, potentially brought under NATO command, and explore new resources to promote Ukrainian defenses. This move comes alongside efforts to reassure defense companies of long-term demand for military equipment, potentially leading to increased production capacity. The summit will also focus on burden-sharing within the alliance, with the goal of having more member states reach at least 2% of their GDP spending target on defense. While membership for Ukraine is a long-term goal, this security package signifies NATO's commitment to supporting Ukraine's defense capabilities. Photo by Roman Pilipey/AFP via Getty Images

In the coming weeks the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change will be publishing a major piece of work on the future of defence. In the build up to that we have been engaging more on relevant issues. Today I have written for City AM on the 75th anniversary of NATO. This anniversary is an opportunity not just to reflect on the achievements of the alliance, which are surely beyond what the original signatories could even have hoped in 1949, but also take stock of the new challenges it faces. A new context requires new capabilities. NATO members spending more is important, but not the whole answer. They need to spend more smartly. With the US's attention increasingly drawn to the Indo-Pacific, European NATO members increasingly need a strategy to better defend themselves without Washington. Renewing the alliance in this way will not only make Europe safer but will also make it a more attractive military partner. Would love to know what you think. #geopolitics #geopoliticalrisk #defence #military #foreignpolicy #foreignaffairs #NATO #Europe #EuropeanUnion https://lnkd.in/e_QwKgFT

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has shaken the foundations of European security. In response, NATO member states are taking decisive action, significantly bolstering defenses on the eastern flank. This reinforcement strategy has two key pillars: increased military spending and a revitalized European defense industry. #EuropeanUnion #NATO #military https://lnkd.in/d8vzBDRc

Exciting developments in U.S.-Slovakia defense ties. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III highlighted Slovakia's commitment to modernizing its defense forces and enhancing interoperability with NATO allies. From deepening cooperation through NATO to modernizing military capabilities with U.S.-produced F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft, the partnership is stronger than ever. Dive into the article here: https://lnkd.in/eRhZmUPn #USandSlovakia #SecurityCooperation 

What has happened to https://www.nato.int/ Their purpose: NATO’s essential and enduring purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by political and military means. Collective defence is at the heart of the Alliance and creates a spirit of solidarity and cohesion among its members. With 2.1% of our GDP going to NATO why are we and not NATO leading the Israel and Ukraine debacle.

NATO countries have enough air defense systems to transfer some of them to #Ukraine. This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, Censor.NET  reports citing #Ukrinform. "The reality is that, of course, we have enough systems that we could supply much more to Ukraine when it comes to air defense in general, as well as when it comes to #Patriot batteries. And this is exactly what we are working on," the NATO Secretary General said. At the same time, Stoltenberg refused to name the number of Patriot batteries in #Europe. "I can't give you exact numbers because it's classified information. There are less than 100 of them (Patriot batteries - ed.) in Europe. In fact, there are far fewer than 100 in Europe. But, of course, the entire Alliance has a significant number of Patriot batteries. The United States has the largest number of Patriot batteries," the NATO Secretary General added.  Source: https://lnkd.in/dXviaZ7G