Concern in NATO over Trump’s comments on failing to protect its members

first Amendment: 02/12/2024 – 02:18

3 minutes

In a statement, Stoltenberg said the allies would not protect each other in the event of an external attack, suggesting this undermines the security of the United States and Europe, putting troops in both regions at risk.

The NATO leader reiterated the alliance’s desire to defend all its members and expressed hope that, regardless of the electoral outcome of the November presidential elections, in which Trump is a potential contender, the United States will remain a committed ally to NATO. .

Donald Trump assured during a campaign rally in South Carolina that if he is elected Russia could attack NATO allies that are not meeting their financial commitments. The White House called these comments “appalling and unbalanced”, highlighting the concern raised by his statements.

European officials react to Trump’s comments

The reactions were intense. Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamycz stressed the importance of commitment to NATO’s motto “One for all, all for one” and warned that undermining allies’ credibility would weaken the entire alliance.

European Council President Charles Michel called Trump’s statements “reckless”, noting that they only serve the interests of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Michel highlighted the urgent need for the EU to develop its strategic autonomy and invest in defence.

EU Internal Market Commissioner Thierry Breton said European leaders understand the need to increase EU military spending and defense capabilities regardless of the US presidential election.

Financial commitments of NATO members

The NATO treaty clearly establishes a provision: mutual defense of member states in the event of attack. This fundamental principle has been central to the military alliance’s response to challenges and threats over the years.

In 2014, after Russia annexed the Crimean peninsula, NATO countries took concrete steps to strengthen the alliance’s defensive capabilities. It was agreed to end the spending cuts implemented after the Cold War and move towards a common goal: Allocate 2% of gross domestic product (GDP) to defense by 2024,

By 2022, NATO reported that seven of its 31 member states were meeting this financial commitment, up from three in 2014. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 served as a catalyst for some members to further increase their military spending in response to the growing threat. ,

During the 2016 presidential campaign, Donald Trump raised concerns among Western allies by suggesting that the United States, under his leadership, could withdraw from NATO treaty commitments and support only countries that meet the 2% target. Could. This stance raised concerns about the unity and strength of the alliance.

In his campaign speeches, Trump expressed skepticism toward organizations such as NATO, and questioned the substantial financial resources the United States devotes to the military alliance. He has often lamented the billions of dollars invested in Ukraine’s resistance against Russian aggression, which was essential for Kiev in the war.

These financial and political dynamics within NATO reflect persistent tensions regarding members’ commitments and equitable contributions, challenges that the Alliance continues to address to maintain its effectiveness and unity in a changing geopolitical environment.

With Reuters, AP and local media