The 32 NATO allies are currently in discussion to increase the defence spending benchmark from the current 2% of GDP. Citizens of NATO member states should “accept to make sacrifices” such as cuts to their pensions, health and security systems in order to boost defence spending and ensure long-term security in Europe, the head of the military alliance said on Thursday. “Today I call for your support, action is urgent. To protect our freedom, our prosperity and our way of life, your politicians need to listen to your voices. Tell them you accept to make sacrifices today so that we can stay safe tomorrow,” Mark Rutte said during a speech in Brussels. “Tell them they need to spend more on defence so that we can continue to live in peace, tell them that security matters more than anything,” he added. The former Dutch prime minister called on the alliance to “shift to a wartime mindset” and” turbocharge” defence production and defence spending. He warned that the 2% of GDP most NATO allies spend on defence is not enough in the long term to deter potential adversaries. (Euronews)