Former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis has called for a significant increase in NATO’s defense spending. “NATO partners need a new standard beyond the current two percent. I advocate for seven percent” Landsbergis told the online news portal T-Online.
Only with substantially higher investments can Europe effectively protect itself. During the Cold War, 400,000 NATO soldiers stood at the alliance’s borders – a number that is now significantly underrepresented. Landsbergis warned of Russia’s military superiority. “What Russia produces in a month’s worth of ammunition would take Europe a year to produce.”
Current debates on defense capabilities are focusing too much on distant timelines like 2040 or 2050, while Russia is already modernizing its military. To counter this threat, a fundamental course correction is needed. “It’s alarming, as Russia already has an army and continues to produce weapons and other war materiel” Landsbergis said. Europe must therefore take immediate action and significantly boost its defense spending.