European NATO allies, Canada increased military spending by $600bn since 2014

The European members of NATO and Canada have increased their military spending by $600bn since 2014, TASS reports

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg made a statement at a press conference on the eve of the defence ministers’ recent meeting, saying, “I can announce the latest figures. Since 2014, the European countries of the alliance and Canada have increased military spending by $600 billion. Last year, we saw a record growth of 11 percent, and I expect that eighteen allies will reach [the level of] 2 percent of GDP [on defence] this year – setting a new record. In 2024, European NATO allies will spend $380bn on defence, which will be equal to 3 percent of their total GDP for the first time. European allies are spending more, but some countries still have some way to go.”

Mr. Stoltenberg also added that NATO countries are increasing the production of weapons and shells.