Ifo Institute: Europe's Defense Spending Needs to Exceed 2% of GDP

European countries face a significant defense investment gap to ensure security without relying on U.S. support.

Germany has a defense investment shortfall of approximately 230 billion euros, according to Ifo Institute findings.
Italy and Spain also face significant gaps, with 120 billion and over 80 billion euros needed, respectively.
Since 1990, only Poland and the UK have consistently met NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target.
Donald Trump's U.S. election victory prompts calls for increased European defense efforts.
Higher defense spending in Europe is necessary due to lower military costs in countries like Russia and China.