German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, tipped to become chancellor in next month's election, said Germany would spend more on defence but would not commit to a NATO defence spending target as called for by U.

US President-elect Donald Trump said NATO member states should increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP and criticised Europe's contributions. #EuropeNews

The Czech Republic said on Wednesday that it is open to spending more on defence, as demanded by US President-elect Donald Trump. "We are open to this debate," Prime Minister Petr Fiala said, emphasizing that money invested in defence was money well spent.

Incoming US President Donald Trump has called on NATO countries to drastically increase their defence spending to 5 per cent of GDP, more than double the alliance's current 2 per cent target. However,

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said on Jan. 7 that NATO should raise its defense spending benchmark from 2% of GDP to 5%, echoing his earlier calls for Europe to spend more on its security.

Even before being sworn in, Donald Trump harshly criticized European NATO countries. He also changed his stance on ending the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting he could achieve it within half a year, not in 24 hours as he previously claimed.

Even before being sworn in, Donald Trump has harshly criticized European NATO countries. He has also altered his stance on ending the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting he could achieve it within half a year,