NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called on member states to significantly increase their defense spending, now expected to exceed 3% of GDP, citing the urgency to deter Russian aggression. Amidst pressure from the United States and especially former President Trump, European nations are being urged to elevate their contributions, with some seeing a 20% boost in defense budgets. As discussions continue, there are concerns regarding the economic implications of these demands, including potential impacts on credit ratings. The alliance faces a crucial period as it strives for more equitable burden sharing and heightened production capabilities to counter global threats.