ROME — Defence ministers from Italy and Germany emphasized on Friday the urgent need for all NATO members to increase their defence spending to close critical gaps among allies. The remarks came after a high-level meeting in Rome with defence ministers from Poland, France, and Britain, focusing on strengthening European security amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Italy’s Guido Crosetto, representing two of NATO’s historically lower defence spenders, highlighted that boosting defence budgets is essential for maintaining alliance cohesion and readiness in the face of emerging threats. “Closing the spending gap is a shared responsibility. Every member must contribute fairly to collective defence,” Pistorius stated.
The meeting, held at the Italian Air Force Headquarters, took place against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the first direct talks in over three years between Russia and Ukraine in Istanbul. The ministers underscored the importance of a united NATO response to security challenges posed by Russia’s aggression, stressing that enhanced defence capabilities are crucial for deterrence and defence.
Italy and Germany have faced pressure within NATO to increase their military expenditures, as both countries historically invested less than the alliance’s guideline of 2% of GDP. Recent global events, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, have intensified calls for higher spending to modernize forces and support Ukraine’s defence efforts.
The group of five European defence ministers also discussed strategic autonomy for Europe, emphasizing the need to reduce dependence on external powers for defence technologies and logistics. They explored ways to deepen cooperation in procurement, research, and joint military exercises to improve interoperability among European forces.
Polish Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak, attending the meeting, stressed the urgency of reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank to counter Russian threats. “Our shared security depends on solidarity and readiness,” he said.
Meanwhile, France’s Minister of the Armed Forces, Sébastien Lecornu, called for greater investment not only in conventional forces but also in emerging domains such as cyber and space.
The meeting reflects broader NATO efforts to adapt to a shifting security landscape, balancing political will and economic capabilities among members. As Italy and Germany push to elevate their defence commitments, other allies face similar scrutiny to meet agreed targets and contribute to a robust collective defence posture.
With ongoing tensions along NATO’s eastern borders and renewed dialogue between Moscow and Kyiv, defence spending discussions remain central to the alliance’s strategy for stability and peace in Europe.