In a timely interview at the NATO Public Forum, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for increased and smarter defense spending among NATO allies, proposing a European-funded “Iron Dome” system and highlighting the need for faster aid to Ukraine.
Speaking with Nadia Schadlow, a member of the Hudson Institute and former US Deputy National Security Advisor, Mitsotakis stressed the need for NATO to adapt and reinvent itself in the face of Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine.
When I became Prime Minister in 2019, no one thought that we would be faced with a war at the heart of the European continent,” Mitsotakis said. He praised NATO’s response to the war so far, noting that most member states have either met or pledged to meet the 2% GDP defense spending target. Greece itself has committed to spending 3%.
However, Mitsotakis argued that simply spending more is not enough. He criticized the fragmentation and lack of interoperability within the European defense industry, calling for smarter allocation of resources.
To achieve this, Mitsotakis proposed the creation of a European “Iron Dome” system, similar to Israel’s missile defense system, to complement existing air defense capabilities. He suggested this could be funded through joint European borrowing, drawing a parallel to the €750 billion raised to address the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Prime Minister also stressed the need for speed and efficiency in providing aid to Ukraine, praising the Czech initiative for transferring weapons systems to Ukraine quickly. He emphasized that while advanced technology is important, basic supplies like 155mm artillery shells remain crucial in modern warfare.
Looking ahead to the upcoming NATO summit, Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of a strong transatlantic partnership and for all allies to contribute their fair share. He even suggested that the 2% GDP spending target might need to be raised to 2.5% to meet the alliance’s needs.
“At a time of great uncertainty, being part of an alliance that is strong, defensive, and capable of defending us all against external threats is as important as it has ever been,” Mitsotakis concluded.
