Overview

• NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reaffirmed the U.S.'s commitment to the alliance and Article 5 but acknowledged allies' concerns about long-term U.S. engagement.
• President Trump has demanded NATO allies increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, significantly above the current 2% target, creating tension within the alliance.
• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet NATO allies in Brussels, where they will seek clarity on U.S. plans for NATO, Ukraine, and relations with Russia.
• Trump's announcement of trade tariffs targeting NATO economies has further strained transatlantic relations, adding to uncertainty about U.S. intentions.
• European allies are anxious about potential U.S. troop withdrawals from Europe and are preparing to increase defense spending to an average of 3.5-3.7% of GDP to meet U.S. demands.