Why are European leaders calling for increased defense spending?

European defense officials emphasize the urgent need for all European nations to increase defense spending due to the growing Russian threat. As stated in the meeting, Russia represents a danger not only to Ukraine but to all European countries. The official stressed that collective action is required, with nations needing to both 'scale up' their defense budgets and 'speed up' implementation of security measures. This call for enhanced military investment reflects the recognition that Europe must strengthen its defensive capabilities to counter Russia's increasingly aggressive posture in the region.