Investing.com -- NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on alliance members to increase their defense spending beyond the previously set goal of 2% of national output. This request comes in response to new challenges that have emerged since the target was established a decade ago.

Rutte's appeal was made during a meeting in Lisbon with Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro. Montenegro reaffirmed his country's commitment to reach the 2% spending goal by 2029. As of 2023, Portugal allocated 1.5% of its gross domestic product (GDP) towards its NATO obligations.

Rutte highlighted that the decade-old 2% target would not be sufficient to address future challenges. He emphasized the need for increased defense spending, saying, "We need to spend more on our defense now."

In addition, Rutte repeated accusations against Russia, alleging it has been attempting to destabilize NATO member states. The methods reportedly range from assassination attempts to cyber attacks and acts of sabotage. He also mentioned Russia's ongoing aggressive military actions against Ukraine.

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