President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini on arrival at the Summit of the Bucharest Nine (B9) Summ in Lithuanian Vilnius On Monday he confirmed that the SR will support the proposed increase in NATO’s defense expenditure. This is informed by a special TASR rapporteur.
“This meeting is very important, as a few days in front of us is an important summit in the Hague. It is necessary for Europe to take more share in its own defense in NATO. I fully support us to spend more and we have to strengthen the European Pillar in NATO. stated the president.
NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte suggested that the defense of NATO Member States increase to five percent of GDPof which 3.5 percent would be directed directly to defense expenses and another 1.5 percent could be used for other defense expenses. Specifically, it could be investments in strategic infrastructure, such as bridges, railways or ports that are also crucial for military purposes.
In addition to the NATO leaders, the NATO leaders also participate in the Vilnius negotiations, as well as the Nordic Allies’ representatives – Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Rutte and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyj are also present.
