Will this put further pressure on EUCOM forces? Some NATO Countries Cutting Defense Spending

SSG Norman Lihou — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 21:48:30 -0500

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

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Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 27 at 2015 8:36 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 27 Feb 2015 20:36:24 -0500

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.