U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter addresses U.S. military personnel during a meeting near an F-16 fighter jet at Osan U.S. Air Base in Pyeongtaek, south of Seoul, South Korea Thursday, April 9, 2015. Reuters/Lee Jin-man/Pool
Reuters: Europe's security challenges should mean more defense spending: Carter
(Reuters) - Europe should be spending more on its military given the security challenges facing the region, U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter said on Wednesday, adding that falling investment had eroded Europe's ability to be a capable U.S. ally.
"They're not doing enough. They are spending a smaller share of their GDP than they have in the past, (than) we do now and (than) many, like Russia, are spending. It's too low," Carter told a group of university students training as military officers.
The Pentagon chief made the remarks after being asked by one student what the United States could do to encourage Europe to be more financially committed to its own defense.
WNU Editor: I have trouble seeing Europe spending more money on defense. Most of these countries are facing a serious financial/debt crisis .... and the last thing that is on their minds is more money for the military.