Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics has emphasized the need for NATO members to prioritize the acquisition of modern military equipment over mere financial commitments. While acknowledging the goal of allocating 5% of GDP to defense, he stressed that actual readiness depends on having functional, up-to-date hardware. The lack of available or upgraded equipment, he warned, undermines security even with high spending. His remarks come ahead of the Ankara summit, where he called for a strategic focus on tangible defense improvements rather than just meeting budget targets.
Rinkevics also addressed concerns about potential U.S. troop reductions in Europe, noting that shifting responsibility to European allies is a complex and lengthy process. He highlighted the risks of creating security gaps during such a transition, stressing the importance of coordinated planning and sustained investment. The president underscored that long-term stability requires more than political declarations—it demands concrete actions and preparedness across all member nations.