Der niederländische NATO-Beitrag würde sich verdoppeln, wenn die USA abreisen, sagt der Verteidigungsminister

by GrouchyWhereas3692

28 comments

  1. Then it can afford to double it now.

    Shit like this just gives Trump more credibility, because it makes it clear that NATO allies are actively *choosing* not to contribute, and instead to parasitize the US for their defence umbrella.

  3. The fact we are even talking about the US possibly leaving NATO is a big concern, and something I never thought would happen considering how much soft/hard power and reach they gain.

  5. Double?

    We’re at 1.7 now, doubling it would take us on par with the US, never going to happen.

    That said, a decent budget increase has been long overdue.

  7. It’s kind of frustrating listening to Europeans flaunt their public healthcare system while also basically admitting they’re shifting their defense costs to the U.S.  

  8. It bears being remembered that the US Congress, and current President, already signed laws to ensure that no future US President would be able to unilaterally withdraw from NATO. I imagine that the mechanisms put in place would mean that both chambers of Congress and the President would have to concur in order to make such a decision possible, which does make such an event less likely. For whatever that’s worth.

  9. US won’t leave it’s all nonsense. Including from my own defense minister apparently.

    Leaving NATO would make the US a regional power instead of a superpower. It would empower its systemic rivals, make it significantly less safe because a weak US means China and Russia going into Latin America. It would destroy the US economy forcing people to give up their quality of life.

    Increased defense spending in Europe in general is bad for the US. It means less spending on US industries and more home grown defense industries and it means the US will need to treat its allies as equals not as the little brother also lessening the power the US can project across the globe.

    The relationship with the US will be strained regardless of who wins the presidency.

    Don’t forget a large part of the US economy is dependent on defense spending and its ability to project power globally in the way that it does. It’s also dependent on its influence internationally.

    The Wall Street bankers, Corporate America, the joint chiefs and politicians from both sides won’t let POTUS annihilate the US economy and turn it into a failed state like Russia governed by a corrupt elite with no future prospects.

  10. It’s not what she said. She said should double. Significant difference.

  11. Double it then. Your ally is losing a war in your own backyard 

  12. Title: Contribution would double.

    Actual quotes:
    – (…) we would _have_ to double it
    – (…) we would have to _think about_ doubling it

    World of difference, tbh.

  13. Are the Dutch admitting that are freeloading? I’m not American

  14. This is perhaps the silliest statement they possibly could have made.

    Even though it’s likely in the “what would we lose” context it’s incredible they didn’t see how this would be taken.

  15. We need to double it regardless of whatever Trump or NATO does, we’ve been asleep for 40 years time to wake the fuck up.

  16. So did they really think it was a good idea to admit they’re lowballing their NATO stuff just because the USA will pick up their slack? Does this government want the USA to leave and Trump to be president of the USA?

  17. Americans need to wake up and prioritize world peace over gas prices. I’m convinced all republicans are actual fucking morons.

  19. Lol what a stupid thing to say. What message does this send to the people in Netherlands? “our defence budget is low because US is there to have our back”.

    For a country like Netherlands its no excuse to not have adequate defence budget.

  20. Hahahah dude… what? Europe, get your head out of your ass.

  21. All of you have many valid reasons. Yes, we at Europe should invest more and we should do it ASAP. Yes, there are many assholes in politics in both sides of the pond. Yes, the US is an invaluable ally (and may I say It, a good friend) And of course yes, you have to think twice before speak if you are in charge, and keep your mouth shut if in doubt.

    But the critical point in Trump’s words, an ex-president and a potential future candidate with great support in the RP , is that US won’t comply. That US could even encourage our enemys if it deems fit, if he is POTUS . That’s a demolition charge to the very core of NATO.

    It doesn’t matter if it is a 2% or 4%, if there’s a fair chance that the US (or any other) could not honor the treaty, things are gonna get messy.

    Best result of all this clusterfuck, Europe increases defence budget, rebuild our confidence with US, and continue our relationship in the best way. Worst case… Well, you get the point.

  23. Walk the talk.

    Just double the contribution, regardless if the US is in NATO or not.

  24. So you CAN contribute more, you just choose not too. Uncle Sam is getting tired of our freeloading friends

  25. Why not double it now then… Trump was wrong about nearly everything else in his presidency but he was spot on about the Europeans just being non-chalant in their share while the threat is on the same continent as them.

  27. Then it should double now.. This kind of stuff is exactly what feeds anti nato feelings is america

  28. I love how many US citizens on here are saying other members would “mooch of” the USAs military. Let me be clear: I fully support the 2 % guideline and want every NATO member to fullfill it rather yesterday than tomorrow. But you’re acting like your goverment is a charity and doesn’t profit from it at all. What you gain is a ton of soft power, establishing the USD as a global currency, having an entire continent as an ally.

    Btw. the only time article 5 has been called was by the US and every member has stood by your side.

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