Alliance Highlights Progress Ahead of Key Summit
BRUSSELS: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth welcomed increased defence spending by NATO allies on Thursday but stressed that several member states must do more to meet agreed commitments.
Speaking ahead of a meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels, Hegseth praised countries that have raised military budgets while urging others to accelerate their efforts.
“Many countries are following through, but some still need to do more,” he said, adding that honest discussions among allies remain essential for strengthening the alliance.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte highlighted what he described as a significant rise in defence investment across Europe and Canada. According to Rutte, member countries are expected to spend more than $90 billion extra on defence in 2025 compared to the previous year, representing an increase of nearly 20 percent.
The alliance hopes to showcase this progress ahead of next month’s NATO summit, where leaders will review commitments to raise defence-related spending.
Concerns Grow Over US Military Reductions
At the same time, NATO officials acknowledged that some countries remain below key spending targets. Reports indicate that several European members may still fall short of the alliance’s benchmark this year.
Furthermore, Washington has reiterated its expectation that European allies assume greater responsibility for their conventional defence as US strategic attention increasingly shifts toward China.
The Pentagon has already informed allies that it plans to reduce certain military assets assigned to NATO operations worldwide. Reports suggest the reductions could include fighter aircraft, surveillance assets, refuelling planes, drones, and naval deployments.
Support for Ukraine Remains a Priority
Despite concerns over force reductions, NATO leaders emphasized that the United States remains committed to the alliance’s collective defence obligations.
Additionally, ministers will discuss further military support for Ukraine during the Brussels meetings. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to join talks with Kyiv’s international partners as efforts continue to strengthen support against Russia.
Alliance officials said discussions will focus on maintaining security, enhancing readiness, and reinforcing cooperation among member states amid evolving global challenges.
