EU and Tramps to share reciprocal criticism of defense spending

Photo: Reuters / Scanpix / LETA

Tramps repeatedly called on its allies in Europe to increase defense spending by criticizing Europeans for their selfish use of US military capability. NATO member states have pledged to devote two per cent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defense, but they are expected to reach only eight of them this year

"Ready to to go to Europe ". Tramps announced Tuesday morning

Shortly after, the President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, trampled "almost daily European criticism". "Dear President Tramp, America is not and will not be a better ally for Europe," said Tusk at a press conference. "Today, Europeans spend a lot more on defense than Russia and as much as China." "America is expensive, appreciates its allies, after all, it's not so much for you," added the president of the European Council

while urging European countries to increase defense spending because "everyone wants a well-prepared and well-equipped ally". Tusz again told Tukey: "NATO countries pay more, the United States pays less, very unfairly!"

Tusk reminded Tramp that Europe was the first to respond to a terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, 2001, and that Europeans lost 870 lives in Afghanistan. "Dear President, remember when we meet tomorrow at the NATO Summit, but most importantly – when Putin is in Helsinki with the President [Krievijas] it's always worth knowing who your strategic friend is and who is your strategic problem "Tusks said:

The tramps must arrive in Brussels on Tuesday at 21:30 (at 14:25 Latvian time). The NATO summit, to be held in Brussels on Wednesday and Thursday, is only the first tramp stop for its European tour. After the summit, he will travel to Britain, but the Tramp and Putin summit will be held in Helsinki

after signing with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and the President of the European Commission , Jean-Claude Junker. closer cooperation between the EU and NATO. The implicit threat that the US could reduce its military presence in Europe has made Europeans more actively questioned about increasing their own defense capabilities. "We are proud of what has been achieved together so far, but we can do more," said a joint statement by the EU and NATO

. On the one hand, the modernization of transport infrastructure is envisaged, but on the other hand – facilitate the bureaucratic procedures of border crossing. The statement also stresses that NATO will continue to be the "cornerstone of collective defense", thus seeking to reduce Washington's fears that the EU could resort to the creation of parallel structures for l & # 39; Alliance. . "Europe badumes greater responsibility for its own security," said Stoltenberg, adding that it is complementary to NATO and not an alternative to the alliance. Secretary General of NATO pointed out that Europeans should increase their defense spending. for their own safety, given the growing threat. He pointed out that this year's target for defense spending of 2% of GDP is expected to reach only eight Allies – United States, Estonia, Greece, United Kingdom, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Romania