European Union diplomatic chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for enhanced defence spending in Europe following pressure from the US administration. Addressing the Shangri-La Defence Forum in Singapore, Kallas responded to remarks by US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who described President Trump's persistent calls for increased military expenditure as 'tough love.'
Kallas acknowledged the challenge but noted, "It's love nonetheless, so it's better than no love." She reassured that relations between Brussels and Washington remain solid, highlighting a constructive conversation with Hegseth.
Under President Trump's leadership, the US has urged NATO members to boost defence budgets, with requests reaching up to 5% of their GDP, signaling a clear intolerance for what the US terms as 'freeloading' allies.
Recognizing this, Kallas remarked, "Some European countries have long understood the need to invest in defence. The European Union has shifted gears, reimagining its foundational peace project, now supported by a robust defence posture."
She underscored the interconnected security challenges facing Europe and the Indo-Pacific, noting the presence of North Korean forces in Ukraine and China's military support to Russia. "If concern exists about China, it should equally extend to Russia," she stated.
Further, Kallas highlighted the EU's effort to foster partnerships within the Indo-Pacific region across defence and economic sectors. She rejected notions that the US should focus exclusively on the Indo-Pacific while Europe handles its own security, citing the shared challenge posed by China's economic influence.
"China’s economic dominance requires collaboration among like-minded countries, including the US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore," she added.
Meanwhile, Hegseth reinforced the US position, asserting that European allies are increasingly taking responsibility for their security and investing more in defence, attributing this positive shift to the Trump administration's leadership.
