Hungary has clear plan for reaching defence spending target

Brussels, February 16 (MTI) – Hungary is one of those few NATO member states that have drafted a clear road map on increasing defence spending to at least 2 percent of GDP by 2026, in line with its earlier commitment, the defence ministry’s parliamentary state secretary said in Brussels on Thursday.

Hungary understands the new US administration’s expectation of a fairer sharing of burden by NATO member states, Tamás Vargha told Hungarian reporters on the sidelines of a meeting of NATO defence ministers.

He confirmed Hungary’s commitment towards protecting NATO’s eastern member states, noting that a unit of Hungarian military trainers would be sent to Estonia on a three-month mission this year.

NATO will deploy 4,000 troops in the three Baltic states and Poland in the spring to provide for the region’s protection under its policy of eastern solidarity, he said.

Vargha said the NATO defence ministers would review details of operations to fight against the Islamic State terrorist organisation in the afternoon.

Hungary is committed to fighting terrorism and creating peace, the state secretary said, noting Hungary’s contribution of 150 troops serving on the international coalition’s mission in Iraq.

Photo: MTI/EPA/Stephanie Lecocq

Source: MTI