Part 2/10:
The Secretary opened with a firm reaffirmation of NATO's strategic objectives, which include preventing great power conflict in Europe and strengthening the alliance's deterrent capabilities against both nuclear and non-nuclear threats. The need for all NATO allies, particularly European and Canadian members, to step up their defense spending was highlighted as essential, not just a recommendation. The Secretary underscored that while 2% may be a starting point for defense contributions, a larger figure of around 5% would be more reflective of the urgent realities facing NATO in today’s geopolitical climate.