Pentagon chief says NATO members must boost defence spending
BRUSSELS — US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has told NATO allies that they must start increasing defence spending by year-end or the Trump administration will “moderate its commitment” to them.
US Secretary of Defence Jim Mattis (left) speaking with members of his delegation prior to a meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Feb 15, 2017. Photo: AP
BRUSSELS — US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis has told NATO allies that they must start increasing defence spending by year-end or the Trump administration will “moderate its commitment” to them.
That’s according to a text of his remarks to the alliance’s 27 other defence ministers — who are meeting in Brussels.
He’s not detailing how the US might lessen its commitment if NATO members fall short.
Mr Mattis is echoing a demand made repeatedly by President Donald Trump.
The Pentagon chief says NATO must adopt a plan this year that sets milestone dates for governments to meet a military funding goal of 2 per cent of gross domestic product. AP
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