Løkke: Readiness can meet Trump’s military aid demands

Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen is open to meeting Trump’s demand for NATO countries to spend five percent of GDP on defense. Rasmussen suggests that this target might be achievable if NATO countries consider including expenses like preparedness. He aligns with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who proposes that NATO countries commit to 3.5% of GDP on direct military expenses and an additional 1.5% on broader security-related costs by 2032. Rutte suggests raising direct defense spending by 0.2% annually over seven years to reach the 3.5% goal. Rasmussen mentions the urgency to ensure real combat power against Russia. He envisions a two-fold NATO goal for hardcore military defense and broader security, considering aspects like cybersecurity and critical infrastructure as vital components of defense.