NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is calling on European allies to significantly increase defense spending, warning that stronger contributions are essential to maintaining the alliance’s effectiveness.
Speaking alongside U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, officials emphasized that the U.S. remains committed to NATO — but expects greater burden-sharing from its partners.
Rubio stated:
“The United States is in NATO. It is as active in NATO as ever,” while also pushing back on concerns about a U.S. withdrawal and urging allies to strengthen their commitments.
Rutte acknowledged recent increases in European defense budgets — the largest since the Cold War — but said more progress is needed, particularly in military readiness and production capacity.
At the center of the discussion is a growing push for NATO members to move closer to higher defense spending targets as global threats evolve.
Bottom line:
The U.S. remains engaged in NATO.
Europe is being urged to step up spending.
And pressure is building for a more balanced, shared defense effort.
