NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told members of the security alliance to boost defense spending or prepare to learn Russian. Speaking at the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, Monday Rutte told European lawmakers that they have to urgently rethink spending priorities to ensure their security.

NATO should raise its current 2% of GDP defense spending goal, or the allies can begin taking "Russian language courses or move to New Zealand," Secretary General Mark Rutte jokingly told the European Parliament on Jan.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has criticized Alliance member states for their low defense spending and lack of commitment to devote at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) to the military.

In his first speech to the European Parliament since taking office, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte urged E.U. countries on Monday to increase their defense spending, according to Politico.

NATO secretary-general rained fire on EU members of the U.S.-led bloc over defence spending on Monday. Mark Rutte told an European committee that members need to increase their defence spending or learn Russian as they could face an attack anytime after 4-5 years.