Obama tells 'complacent' Europe to hike military spending

**Kontinuum** · 2016-04-28, 11:59 AM

Barack Obama has accused Europe of being “complacent” about defence by failing to meet the Nato two per cent spending target.

It came as he delivered a passionate plea for the European Union to hold together, saying it is one of the “greatest political and economic achievements of modern times”.

In an address in Hanover, the US President said that Nato must spend more to address the crises in Syria and north Africa and to invest in new missile defence and cyber systems.

Nato is also increasing troop numbers and equipment in its eastern European neighbours who feel at risk of Russian destabilisation.

Mr Obama warned that states are failing to pay their “full share” of spending two per cent of GDP on the military. “I’ll be honest, sometimes Europe has been complacent about its own defence,” he said.

It follows remarks last month in which Mr Obama said European states are “free riders” by demanding the US act in North Africa without putting any “skin in the game”.

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential front-runner, has said Nato is “obsolete” and the US cannot “afford to be the policeman of the world.”

In Europe, the share of domestic spending on the military has fallen six years running, to an average of 1.4 per cent.

The US spends 3.6 per cent, while the UK spends just above two per cent. At the bottom of the table are Luxembourg (0.47 per cent), Hungary (0.85 per cent) and Spain (0.89 per cent).

Mr Obama urged Europeans to keep faith in the EU, as rising unemployment leaves many to ask “whether European integration can long endure, whether you might be better off separating off, redrawing some of the barriers and the laws between nations that existed in the 20th century.”

He said he understood that the EU requires “frustrating compromise” and “adds layers of government that can slow decision-making”.

But warning that a fragmentation of the EU would lead a resurgence of racist “us and them” politics, he said: “A united Europe, once the dream of a few, remains the hope of the many and a necessity for us all.”

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016...tary-spending/

**Strangebrew** · 2016-04-28, 12:02 PM

I wish would Obama would just shut the fuck up and go stick it up his own ass.
Not only is he a warmonger, but he is also trying to force through TTIP in Europa where our politicans have no choice but to jump to his beat, corporate dipshit shill.

**Wyrt** · 2016-04-28, 12:10 PM

Originally Posted by TheWalkinDude

Europe doesn't need a military. Their strong and tough people will be able to protest in the streets to make the threat go away.

The neutral thing has worked pretty well for Switzerland, but that's partly because no one is stupid enough to punch them.

Deleted · 2016-04-28, 12:26 PM

Europe are not the ones starting shit all over the place. Denmark still managed to go to Helmand and at one point be no 1 in deaths pr capita in Afghanistan. So no thanks, have a coke and a smile and STFU

**JohnBrown1917** · 2016-04-28, 12:32 PM

We like making 'pew pew' sounds during our military training, dont take that away from us.

- - - Updated - - -

Originally Posted by Wyrt

The neutral thing has worked pretty well for Switzerland, but that's partly because no one is stupid enough to punch them.

Worked out fine for the Dutch untill WWII, and now we are surrounded by a ton of friendly countries. No reason to invest in a big military taking up 50% of our budget.

**Crispin** · 2016-04-28, 12:34 PM

Well NATO countries commited to spending 2% of GDP, when they're not doing so, they do seem to be pretty much expecting the US "bail them out".

**Katie N** · 2016-04-28, 12:34 PM

European union is a achievment? All I see on here is people complain about it.

**Kasierith** · 2016-04-28, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by Wyrt

The neutral thing has worked pretty well for Switzerland, but that's partly because no one is stupid enough to punch them.

Isn't Switzerland the country with mandatory military service and very loose gun laws for anyone who did their due?

**Azgraal** · 2016-04-28, 12:36 PM

Obama should mind about his country, that's about to make a turn for the shithouse.

Deleted · 2016-04-28, 12:36 PM

Just disband NATO.

"But who'll defend you against Putin, then?"

You mean like how NATO defended Crimea against Putin annexing it? You mean that kind of defense?

"Well Ukraine doesn't belong in NATO so screw Ukraine!"

Right, well, neither does Finland, so... Like I said, just disband NATO.

**Wyrt** · 2016-04-28, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Kasierith

Isn't Switzerland the country with mandatory military service and very loose gun laws for anyone who did their due?

Yes, but they haven't been in a war for over 200 years.

**Azgraal** · 2016-04-28, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by De thuong

European union is a achievment? All I see on here is people complain about it.

European Union, the way it was executed, is a failed utopia.

Deleted · 2016-04-28, 12:37 PM

Too many leeches are expecting others to bail them out, "Why should we spend what we promised when we are surrounded by friends?"

**unbound** · 2016-04-28, 12:37 PM

Originally Posted by Wyrt

The neutral thing has worked pretty well for Switzerland, but that's partly because no one is stupid enough to punch them.

Actually, their neutrality works for them because:
a) They always support all sides (e.g. they happily did banking for the Nazis in WW2 and helped them hide stolen goods)
b) The terrain makes it difficult to conquer
c) There is no real strategic advantage to taking over Switzerland (and see point a again)

**Azgraal** · 2016-04-28, 12:38 PM