Europe Asia News

Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys stressed that NATO Allies must fulfill their commitments on defense spending, referring to Lithuania's current defense budget ratio and the Alliance's deterrence objectives.

Delivering their joint message from the summit, Budrys said, “At the Ankara Summit, together with President Gitanas Nauseda and Defense Minister Robertas Kaunas, we are sending a clear message from Lithuania to our Allies: It is time to turn promises into capabilities. Join the 5 percent club!”

Referring to Lithuania's position on military spending and the situation among other NATO members, Budrys stated, “This is what all NATO Allies have committed to. Lithuania is already in the 5 percent club, but we are rather lonely there.”

Emphasizing that security policy must be backed by concrete action, Budrys said, “Security is built not on promises, but on capabilities supported by investment. If we are serious about deterrence, 5 percent for defense should be the floor, not the ceiling. Less talk, more action.”