Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is calling on European leaders to increase their defense spending commitments to ensure the strength of the transatlantic alliance in the face of various threats and to support President-elect Donald Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine.
In a recent op-ed for The Financial Times, Stoltenberg emphasized the importance of European nations playing a pivotal role in upholding the integrity of the transatlantic defense pact, especially in light of Trump’s renewed emphasis on burden-sharing within the alliance.
Stoltenberg acknowledged Trump’s concerns about the imbalance in defense spending among NATO allies and highlighted the need for European countries to invest more in their defense capabilities. He noted that neglecting defense readiness and overreliance on Russian gas had consequences for European nations.
Reflecting on NATO’s progress during Trump’s first term, Stoltenberg praised the improved relations among alliance members and the increased defense spending and capabilities that resulted from Trump’s push for burden-sharing.
However, Stoltenberg cautioned that the current security landscape, marked by challenges like Russia’s actions in Ukraine and the growing competition with China, requires even greater efforts from European nations. He emphasized that meeting the 2 percent GDP defense spending goal should be seen as a minimum requirement, and European leaders must be prepared to invest more in defense.
Stoltenberg expressed confidence that the new U.S. administration will fulfill its obligations if Europe meets its commitments. He highlighted Trump’s focus on strength and his decision to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine as examples of the importance of a robust transatlantic relationship.
Stoltenberg urged NATO allies in Europe to support Trump’s strategic priorities, such as the Indo-Pacific region, by offering specific capabilities that align with U.S. needs. He emphasized the importance of proving the value of the transatlantic partnership in the face of global competition.
The former NATO chief also called on European nations to assist Trump in his efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine through diplomatic means that uphold Ukrainian interests and deter further aggression. He noted Trump’s intention to leverage his relationships with Russian and Ukrainian leaders to facilitate a peaceful resolution.
Both Trump and Vice President-elect JD Vance have emphasized the need for NATO allies to contribute more to defense spending. By the end of 2023, 10 out of 31 NATO members had met the 2 percent GDP goal, with projections suggesting that number could increase to 23 out of 32 by 2024.
During Trump’s tenure, the number of NATO members meeting the 2 percent spending target grew from five to nine, underscoring the importance of shared responsibility in the alliance.
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