#looking at you germany

[beardedmrbean]

In a move to strengthen its national defense, Lithuania has announced plans to increase its defense spending to between 5 percent and 6 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP), starting in 2026.

Currently, Lithuania spends just over 3 percent of its GDP on defense, a figure that places it well below the new target.

Why It Matters

The decision, confirmed by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda on Friday, reflects growing concerns about Russian military aggression in the region, particularly as tensions with Moscow remain high amid the war in Ukraine. The Baltic country shares a border with Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.

With the pledge to reach 5 percent, Lithuania will become the first NATO member to meet a defense spending goal recently suggested by President-elect Donald Trump.

Why Is Lithuania Increasing Its Defense Budget?

The new policy will make Lithuania the highest spender on defense in NATO in percentage terms, surpassing Poland, which currently leads with over 4 percent of GDP allocated to defense.

Trump has called on NATO countries to significantly increase their defense budgets, warning that member states should meet a minimum threshold of 5 percent of GDP, up from the existing 2 percent target.

Trump has long been critical of NATO members who fail to meet defense spending targets. While Lithuania's new commitment aligns with the incoming president's calls for greater defense investments, the country's decision underscores a regional shift toward bolstering military strength in the face of Russian aggression.

Newsweek contacted the Lithuanian government by email on Friday for further comment.

What To Know

The move, described by Nausėda as a "historic decision," was endorsed by the State Defense Council, the country's top security body.

In addition to defending its borders, Lithuania aims to modernize its military capabilities with the additional funding.

Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė confirmed that the extra resources will be used to accelerate the purchase of advanced weaponry, including Leopard tanks, air defense systems, and other essential equipment.

How Will Lithuania Spend Its Increased Defense Budget?

The investment will enable Lithuania to make advance payments and expedite deliveries of critical military assets, which will significantly enhance its readiness and deterrence capabilities.

The announcement comes amid a broader debate over NATO's future and the role of the U.S. in ensuring the alliance's security.

What People Are Saying

President Gitanas Nausėda said during a press briefing in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius: "The possibility of Russian military aggression is still real, but not imminent. We need to increase our efforts to strengthen defense and deterrence significantly, devoting more resources to this end."

What Happens Now

With Lithuania leading the way, other NATO members may follow suit, increasing their defense budgets as they respond to the growing uncertainty of European security in an era of resurgent Russian power.

[forustothinkistobealive]

To everyone using the suffering of Palestinians as an excuse to be antisemitic: fuck you.

[baronessblixen]

As a French I can’t tell you how relieved I am, even though it’s just the beginning and there’s a lot to do still, everybody was giving the far right winner of these elections! I could cry

I can imagine, anon! I read that everything is still complicated but at least the far right didn't win. Small steps. I hope the French election can be an example for other such elections. We can't let the right win.

[cidnangarlond]

[floccinaucinihilipilificationa]

[renonv]

Ludwig and his bum ass boyfriends ❤️

[fattyybae]

Getting bigger and sexier 🤭❤️

Get me junks today?😏

[leonsliga]

2024 Recap: Neuller Edition

↳ 24.01: everyone’s favorite idiots in love seeing Raphaël Guerreiro’s goal and immediately doing the most sensible thing they could think of: leaping into each other’s arms and holding on for dear life

↳ 02.02: Manu waxing poetic about his special bond with his decade partner in an interview with Bild

↳ 03.02: Thomas reaches his milestone 500th win with Bayern and Manu makes damn sure the entire team celebrates it (including Thomas who’s trying to be all modest about it)

↳ 24.02: alllll the post-match snuggles after a win against Leipzig

↳ 05.03: because no Bayern win is complete without a celebratory cuddle

↳ 18.05: Manu & Thomas hold hands after their match vs. TSG Hoffenheim

↳ 15.06: the decade partners attend the Adidas Three Stripes Festival together, as German law intended

↳ 17.06: Manu discusses his close relationship with Thomas during a Euros press conference

↳ 06.07: comforting each other after Germany is knocked out of their Heim-EM

↳ 15.07-21.08: Germany’s dads proving they’re the ultimate package deal by retiring from international duty within a month of each other

↳ 29.07: dare I say the reunion of the decade?!

↳ 29.08: gentle parenting tf out of Jamal

↳ 01.09: Thomas scores during his 710th competitive match for FC Bayern and Manu runs the length of the pitch to celebrate with him 🥰 complete with an almost-kiss because it wouldn’t be Neuller if there wasn’t one. And of course we can’t forget Manu’s post-match presser where all he did was talk about Thomas:

or how Thomas thanked him for celebrating the milestone with him

↳ 02.09: the ultimate neuller canon event: Thomas ✨confirms✨ he’s been married to Manu for 15 years and Manu pens a 4-paragraph love letter to him on the same day. But wait! There’s more! Manu also gives Thomas a “surprise” gift (and no, it’s not his questionable acting skills) to commemorate his 710th match for Bayern

↳ 14.10: Manu and Thomas’ DFB sendoff Rudi Völler officiates the Neuller wedding vow renewal ceremony (those who get it GET it)

↳ 26.11: a little spooning after a match against PSG

↳ 15.12: Manu discusses his hopes for a Thomas Müller contract extension during his annual fan club visit

[zebadonk]

not taking criticism or notes at this time

[brandtsstuff10]

WHY SO CLOSE?... For a SECOND I thought they were going to make out 🫣

[gelthefunkyblob]

Faces of West Europe.

[stupidhany]

Posting this cause tbh this needs to be posted in here

I'm thinking of scanning these some time soon

[threecheers-forsweetrevenge]

Kimi at the Mercedes Benz Museum yesterday. Oct 17, 2024

[maxedes]

waking up to this is like christmas morning to me

they talked talked about max & george

said it‘s very funny to watch from the outside but super stressful for the drivers & teams

said he‘d love to see verstappen & russell on the same starting row (or first row idk)

says george isn‘t too soft & standing on business & that he has no reason to lie about what max said

→ i have the whole interview on video, can translate later

[captain-casual]

Better late than never. Let’s hope CERTAIN OTHER COUNTRIES follow suit.

[keiksy-cake]

Hetalia Collezione Poll fifth page

I left the notes about alcohol since I figured maybe some little kiddies here aren't familiar with the terms

all collezione pages

[Please note, I’m an amateur in Japanese and have to use various resources and translation machines to help me. If you notice a possible mistake or want clarification, please bring it up to me *politely* and not aggressively or hostile.]