U.S. Secretary of State Rubio: Europe Must Pay for Its Own Security, NATO European Countries' Defense Spending Must Be Raised Above 5% of GDP
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that European nations will have to cut certain social welfare programs in order to increase defense spending. Speaking on the issue of military expenditures by NATO member states during a congressional hearing, the U.S. State Department official pointed out that Europe has long relied on the United States for security and has favored spending on social welfare over defense budgets. Rubio emphasized, "That era is over," and stressed that each NATO member country must be capable of defending its own territorial sovereignty.
As Rubio underscored, the commitment to increase defense spending means real defense expenditure—not pensions for military personnel or any other payment items. Social welfare should be addressed through alternative funding sources. Given that most European economies are stagnating, these countries must either raise taxes or cut social welfare programs.
If European nations wish to allocate more funds toward defense, they will need to increase tax rates or reduce social welfare initiatives. ... Thus, they must confront this reality head-on.
The United States has made clear that protection comes at a cost—and the higher the cost, the better. Currently it is 5% of GDP, and it may rise even further in the future.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1866971344423948/
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