Posted on Feb 26, 2015
Will this put further pressure on EUCOM forces? Some NATO Countries Cutting Defense Spending
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In September, NATO leaders vowed to "reverse the trend of declining defense budgets."
NATO's secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has said total spending on defense by alliance members declined by 3 percent last year. He says such cuts simply aren't sustainable in today's security environment.
"We have seen new threats and new challenges, both in the east with a more aggressive and assertive Russia, with aggressive actions in Ukraine, and we have seen all the threats emanating from the south ... with turmoil, barbaric violence, sectarian violence in North Africa and the Mideast," Stoltenberg said Thursday while on a visit to Rome.
According to the study, Italy has slashed its preliminary defense budget this year by almost 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). Nevertheless, Stoltenberg was diplomatic when asked about its findings. He praised Premier Matteo Renzi's efforts to reform Italy's moribund economy, and said that will benefit NATO in the long run by enabling Italy to spend more on defense.
Read more:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tank-nato-countries-cutting-defense-spending-29238466
NATO's secretary-general Jens Stoltenberg has said total spending on defense by alliance members declined by 3 percent last year. He says such cuts simply aren't sustainable in today's security environment.
"We have seen new threats and new challenges, both in the east with a more aggressive and assertive Russia, with aggressive actions in Ukraine, and we have seen all the threats emanating from the south ... with turmoil, barbaric violence, sectarian violence in North Africa and the Mideast," Stoltenberg said Thursday while on a visit to Rome.
According to the study, Italy has slashed its preliminary defense budget this year by almost 1 billion euros ($1.1 billion). Nevertheless, Stoltenberg was diplomatic when asked about its findings. He praised Premier Matteo Renzi's efforts to reform Italy's moribund economy, and said that will benefit NATO in the long run by enabling Italy to spend more on defense.
Read more:
http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/tank-nato-countries-cutting-defense-spending-29238466
Budget
Russia
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 1
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Seems like we're not the only NATO country with economic challenges. Now that Iraq and Afghanistan are winding down, I think it's to be expected as we head into what everyone hopes to be a period of peace, and a peace dividend. At least, I believe that's the thinking, despite the threats looming in Ukraine (Russia) and Syria (ISIS).
Many European countries have been hurting fiscally for quite a few years. I'm sure they're looking for any way possible to save money and strengthen their economies.
Many European countries have been hurting fiscally for quite a few years. I'm sure they're looking for any way possible to save money and strengthen their economies.
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SSG Norman Lihou
The real question is will this lack of defense money equal a weakness in our security?
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CW5 (Join to see)
I predict that the pendulum on defense spending (at least here in the USA) is swinging away, but I think it will come back quickly if (a) we elect a Republican President and Congress in 2016 or (b) serious threats to our interests or our homeland arise.
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