Sweden plans to significantly increase its defensive costs - up to 5% of the gross domestic product. This was announced by Prime Minister ULF Kristerson on June 12 during a joint press conference with the new NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in Stockholm, European Pravda .
“Today I want to confirm that Sweden will reach a new NATO target for defense costs of 5% of GDP. At least 3.5% of GDP will be aimed at key defensive needs to achieve new NATO's capacity goals, ”Cristerson said.
According to him, a few months ago, the government announced the largest defense investment since the Cold War. This decision is based on serious geopolitical challenges, especially on Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
“We understand that regardless of the NATO summit decisions, Sweden has a specific geographical location. We must be prepared for future threats from Russia. The background of this decision is not only the invading war against Ukraine, but also the history of the Kremlin's aggressive policy continued, ”the head of government emphasized.
The official decision is planned to be made after the NATO summit, which will take place on June 24-25 in the Hague.
