Hegseth previously informed delegates at the Singapore conference that the U.S. is encouraging European allies to take greater responsibility for their defense investments. “Thanks to President Trump, they are stepping up,” Hegseth stated, referring to Poland and the Baltic States as “model allies.”
Highlighting the differences in military spending attitudes within Europe, Kallas noted, “Some of us recognized the need for defense investment long ago.” She mentioned that the European Union has revamped its approach to being a peace project supported by strong defense policies.
European nations recently approved a €150 billion military spending package. On Wednesday, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubiliu emphasized the need to prevent an “angry divorce” with the U.S., acknowledging the increasing likelihood that Europe must become self-reliant in defense as the U.S. gradually retreats.
Kallas, speaking in Singapore, stressed the interconnected nature of European and Pacific security, pointing to Chinese military support to Russia and North Korean troops aiding Russian President Vladimir Putin in Ukraine.
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