That's the goal tracing back to Eisenhower who wanted them to act like this so that America could sit back and relax somewhat. Creating NATO is not American's idea from very beginning anyway.
But in reality I don't believe any these countries can reach the goal of 5% of GDP except Poland (and tiny Baltic states who won't matter even increasing to 50%). Their slow economic growth rates, their commitment to wellfare such as healthcare, education, or social security...and climate protection, just don't allow them to have 5% military spending budgets. Mark my words, there will be social revolutions in most of these countries if they force to do it. Spain already has been given exception. They can reach 2.1%, instead 5%.
Replies to: "Great. So we don't need to fund their wars. No single penny!"
- EU leaders head to NATO summit finally willing to heed US demands for their defense spending [LINK]
- BaronVonZemo - 12:51pm 6/24/25
(13) [View All]
- Great. So we don't need to fund their wars. No single penny! - Eli - 2:57pm 6/24/25
- Trump definitely motivated the NATO countries… - Domer From Hell - 1:38pm 6/24/25
- We are in full agreement, and it's the only way to get them to pull their own weight. - BaronVonZemo - 2:29pm 6/24/25
- They blinded themselves to Putin's imperialist fantasies cuz they were dependent on his hydrocarbons - Curly1918 - 1:12pm 6/24/25
- False. They blinded themselves to depend on US taxpayer-funded military protection while benefiting - Eli - 3:21pm 6/24/25
- You are both correct imo. [NT] - BaronVonZemo - 3:59pm 6/24/25
- Best not to become overly dependent on your enemy for things like resources or capital [NT] - LanceManion - 2:09pm 6/24/25
- This is true. Germany especially was stupid in this regard. - iairishcheeks - 1:49pm 6/24/25
- NATO countries have stepped up to Putin...not so sure that DJT is willing to do the same. Will he [LINK]
- TyroneIrish - 1:37pm 6/24/25
- Your reality is distorted, they handcuffed themselves to Russian ONG. [NT]
- iairishcheeks - 1:50pm 6/24/25
- That's no longer true...check out the linked article which contains data on how much the EU has [LINK] - TyroneIrish - 12:59am 6/25/25
- Your reality is distorted, they handcuffed themselves to Russian ONG. [NT]
- iairishcheeks - 1:50pm 6/24/25
- Yep. Plus, they aren’t really fully in line w democracy anymore. [NT]
- BaronVonZemo - 1:15pm 6/24/25
- Their politicians were buying votes with social benefit funds that should have gone for defense. [NT] - Curly1918 - 1:33pm 6/24/25
- False. They blinded themselves to depend on US taxpayer-funded military protection while benefiting - Eli - 3:21pm 6/24/25