Quote Originally Posted by Fragony View Post
Spending 1.75% on the military would be silly for us, we are way too small for that much an army, the Netherlands is armed to the teeth as it is. I know it's a deal but it's not practical.



You forgot incredibly dangerous, especially with the EU's desire to include the Balkans. How easily the EU will be devided with their EU army.
you spend enough money to demonstrate that you are serious about the future survival of your nation to your adversaries.

america spends about 4.0% of GDP (some might say that is too much)
the UK spends about 2.1% of GDP (which i say is too small even before you consider the impact of two ongoing wars)
the EU average is a pitiful ~1.6% (which tells me they don't take their first duty as a nation state seriously)



agreed, there is no EU foreign policy with which to use use armed force if the last 10 years are anything to go by!