He noted that the US President Donald Trump called the alliance countries during his past cadence to increase defense expenses. The most important point in the history of NATO Rubio called the year 2018, when Trump at the NATO summit announced contributions of different countries, some of which spent less than 1% of his economy on defense, and when he urged them to activate.
“Since then we have seen an improvement, and I can tell you that we are moving towards the summit [НАТО] After six weeks, on which almost every country – a member of NATO will be at a level or above 2%. Many will reach more than 4%, and everyone will agree to reach 5% over the next decade, ”Rubio said.
He added that this will be the first case in the history of NATO, when the contributions of member states will amount to more than 50% of the expenses of the North Atlantic Union.
“It will be a historical moment if it is realized,” the US Secretary of State summed up.
Context
On November 7, 2024, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the elected US President Donald Trump prompts Europe to large defense costs.
On December 20, Financial Times wrote that after taking office in January 2025, Trump would probably demand from NATO members to increase defense costs to 5% of the gross domestic product (GDP).
January 22, 2025 Head of the European Defense Agency (EDA) Kai Callas The EU countries called on the increase in defense investments not only to prevent the war, but also to be prepared for it, because, according to intelligence services, Russia can attack Europe in three to five years. According to Kallas, Moscow spends almost five times more budget funds than Brussels. According to EvRomissar on defense issues Andryus Cubilyus, Russia this year will spend 40% of the federal budget for defense and safety, which is 9% of GDP.
February 1, 2025, then the US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said that The Trump administration will put pressure on NATO allies, who do not increase defense costs.
