EU foreign affairs official Kaja Kallas urged member states to increase defense spending, warning that Europe’s military weakness could embolden aggressors like Russia.

Speaking at the European Defense Agency conference, Kallas echoed U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of low NATO contributions, advocating for greater investment in security.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk called for EU nations to spend 5% of GDP on defense, matching Trump’s demand, while German Chancellor Olaf Scholz deemed it too costly.

French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized boosting defense spending and developing Europe’s own industrial base, the DW has reported.

Defense spending remains a critical topic amid heightened geopolitical tensions.

Written by B.C. Begley