Progress and Spending in NATO
Brussels: On Thursday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised NATO allies for making strides in meeting their defense spending commitments, though he emphasized that some countries still need to “do more.” He adopted a friendly tone during the alliance’s meeting.
“Many nations are following through with their commitments, while others still need to step up, and we will be transparent about that—both privately and publicly,” Hegseth stated before discussions with NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
“It’s important — friends are honest with friends.”
This amicable stance is likely to provide reassurance to Washington’s allies ahead of a summit with President Donald Trump next month, especially after Trump criticized European countries over their responses to his stance on Iran.
NATO plans to highlight increased European defense spending to show Trump progress on last year’s goal of reaching 5% of GDP on defense expenditures.
“What we’re seeing in terms of spending is extraordinary — huge amounts of money are coming in,” said NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
“Europe and Canada will spend over $90 billion more in 2025 compared to 2024—a nearly 20% rise in defense spending.”
Despite the upbeat outlook from NATO, an official noted that three European nations, including Slovenia and the Czech Republic, are projected to fall short of the 2% GDP defense spending threshold this year.
The U.S. has been clear that it envisions NATO allies on the continent assuming greater responsibility for their own conventional defenses as American focus shifts toward China.
As part of this shift, the Pentagon has informed allies that it will cut back the number of assets it makes available globally for NATO operations.
This decision has raised concerns that Europe might become more vulnerable to Russia’s threats, given that many countries still depend on Washington for crucial weaponry.
Rutte acknowledged that the reductions are “immediate,” but assured that the U.S. would still support NATO members in the event of an attack.
“All allies, including the U.S., will do everything possible to ensure we can defend ourselves in wartime,” he said.
Military Asset Reductions
U.S. and German sources report that the cuts include about a third of the 150 U.S. F-16 and F-15 fighter jets designated for NATO, along with refueling planes, reconnaissance aircraft, bombers, and drones.
The report also states that a submarine capable of launching cruise missiles is being decommissioned, along with one of two aircraft carrier groups.
“Overall, we will be able to compensate in many areas. Still, we need a bit more time, and that message is clear,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
“It’s risky and potentially dangerous for NATO’s European security if capabilities are withdrawn too quickly without clarity on when they can be restored.”
While NATO focuses on its broader security, the alliance will also discuss bolstering support for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky plans to join a meeting with Kyiv’s military allies later today before heading to an EU leaders’ summit.
Ukraine aims to leverage the momentum from Zelensky’s positive meeting with Trump at the G7 summit in Evian to secure additional backing in its conflict with Russia.