Brussels: The EU foreign policy chief on Wednesday expressed agreement with US President Donald Trump's stance that the European Union's member states should bolster their military investments. 'We spend billions on our schools, welfare, healthcare, but if we do not invest more in defense, all of this is at risk. Europe's failure to invest in military capabilities also sends a dangerous signal to the aggressor. Weakness invites them in. President Trump is right to say that we do not spend enough. It is time to invest,' Kaja Kallas emphasized during her address at the European Defense Agency Annual Conference.

According to Anadolu Agency, Kallas highlighted concerns regarding Russia's military spending, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin allocates well over a third of his country's budget to military expenditures. She warned that Russia's capacity to produce weapons and ammunition significantly outpaced that of the EU, stating, 'In three months, they can produce more weapons and more ammunition than we can in 12.'

The EU official also underscored predictions from European national intelligence services, which suggested that Russia might test the EU's readiness to defend itself within the next three to five years. Stressing the need for increased preparedness, Kallas urged, "Europeans need to wake up."

Kallas further addressed the geopolitical landscape, asserting that while Russia might have few allies, Europe benefits from strong partnerships. She emphasized the importance of alliances with entities such as the US, the UK, and NATO, identifying the United States as Europe's strongest ally. In discussing global concerns, Kallas remarked that while China's rise is a significant issue for the US, addressing the threat posed by Russia is crucial for effectively managing the challenge posed by China.

The call for increased defense spending from Trump aligns with Kallas's remarks, highlighting a shared transatlantic perspective on the importance of military investment in ensuring regional and global security.