NATO members won’t be able to meet US president-elect Donald Trump’s demand to raise military spending to 5% of GDP in the near future, Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro said.
Montenegro told the Lusa news agency that Portugal is focused on reaching a target of 2% of GDP for defense spending before even considering a higher percentage.
“The government anticipated hitting 2% by 2029, and we’re firmly committed to that goal,” he said. “We may need to reassess it when necessary.”
He also criticized European leaders’ comments on statements by the incoming US president.
“I think it’s pointless for European leaders to constantly respond to every remark by the president-elect of the United States,” Montenegro said.