Brussels, 13 February 2025 (MIA) - This NATO meeting of defense ministers heard a very different rhetoric compared to the previous one and the messages from last year's Alliance summit in Washington, Defense Minister Vlado Misajlovski told MIA's correspondent from Brussels after the end of the session on Thursday.

"The new U.S. administration led by President Trump has led to an entirely different concept and contours, and discussions now are primarily focused on the peace plan, which I absolutely welcome. These new contours will lead to negotiations towards reaching a peaceful solution, while considering the obligations that Europe will have to undertake," said Minister Misajlovski.

According to him, discussions are encouraging that peace can be achieved in the coming period.

The meeting also tackled the increase of defense spending by allies in the years to come.

"Big challenges are ahead because we will have to allocate more than two percent of the GDP for defense purposes. We heard three and even up to five percent by the U.S., which is a large amount for any country. Only a few countries can reach that five-percent threshold. Nevertheless, we will give our best to modernize our armies, and we as a country will focus on what is important," said Misajlovski.

Ministers also discussed the results from the support provided to Ukraine and whether it motivated Russia to boost its own production and strengthen capacities at a level that is much bigger than all NATO allies in Europe put together.

Furthermore, meeting participants referred to the need for increased defense production, which is part of the countries' commitments to NATO.

"I said in my remarks today that priority will be given to what we have to procure, but we also have to be realistic on how much we can allocate. In addition, we also have to consider having more of our own production," said Misajlovski.

Therefore, he added, our companies must be encouraged to focus on military production in those segments where we can attract investments.

"The country must also invest in those capacities so that production increases. Looking at the challenges, both past and future, every country must strengthen its production capacities in the military industry," said Misajlovski.

He also urged for modernization of the existing Army and Ministry capacities.

"Our capacities must also be updated, as we are doing with the military equipment. They are in bad shape and we must work towards having a satisfied army and ministry staff," underlined Misajlovski.

Photo: MIA