Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel “urged large NATO nations to step up their defense spending and contributions to the alliance as Russian military movements have shown Europe ‘still lives in a dangerous world,'” Defense News reports.  

“Hagel also called on NATO members to bring their country’s finance ministers to September’s ministerial meetings in Wales for defense investment discussions.”  

Said Hagel: “This would allow them to receive detailed briefings from alliance military leaders on the challenges we face. Leaders across our governments must understand the consequences of current trends in reduced defense spending…and help break through the fiscal impasse.”