NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said European allies need to sharply increase defense spending if they want to better protect the continent against growing security risks. His warning comes as leaders across Europe face pressure to strengthen military readiness and reduce dependence on the United States.

Stoltenberg argued that the current level of investment is not enough for Europe to meet the scale of today’s threats. He said allies should treat defense as a long-term necessity rather than a short-term budget choice, especially as wars and instability continue to shape the global security landscape.

The call adds to a wider debate inside NATO over how much each member should contribute. Several governments have already announced higher military budgets, but questions remain about whether those commitments will be enough to close existing gaps in equipment, personnel, and preparedness.

The remarks are likely to keep pressure on European capitals as they weigh domestic spending priorities against defense demands. For NATO, the issue remains central: building a stronger European pillar while keeping the alliance able to respond to crises quickly and effectively.