Perspectives

By playing down Europe’s defense ability Rutte plays into Moscow’s hands [OPINION]

Garvan Walshe

02.02.2026, 14:03

Rutte’s assertion that Europe should spend 10% on defense is wrong and rhetorically dangerous. — Rutte’s assertion that Europe should spend 10% on defense is wrong and rhetorically dangerous. Photo by Thierry Monasse/Getty Images

Rutte’s assertion that Europe should spend 10% on defense is wrong and rhetorically dangerous.