NATO sees rising trend defense spending

brussels - NATO spokesman Jens Stoltenberg expects an increase in defense spending of European allies and Canada of 4.3 percent in 2017. That said the Secretary-General Wednesday, meeting a day for the Ministers of Defense in Brussels.

Over the last three years, Europe's allies and Canada have 'increased their defense spending by nearly 46 billion,' said Stoltenberg. 'The trend is rising and we plan to keep track. This year, 25 allied countries have pledged to increase their real defense spending. '

US President Donald Trump has asked NATO allies for months to increase their defense spending to at least 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). Last year, according to Stoltenberg, five NATO Member States achieved this objective. According to Stoltenberg, they should not do to enjoy the US, but 'in their own interests. '