Rutte says NATO is worried about the Trump administration’s position and that the alliance is preparing for the worst

• Mark Rutte says the alliance is worried about the U.S. position in the face of uncertainty in NATO and that it is preparing for the worst, after a statement by Donal Trump about “loyalty”.
• Associated Press reports that, during a speech on Thursday at the NATO summit in Washington, Trump called on the alliance to “pay” and that he said that “loyalty” is necessary.
• EL PAÍS says that the same Ankara has already pledged to 7–8 billion euros in additional military spending per year for the alliance.

El Païs, El Païs, Asharq Al-Awsat.

In general terms, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who took office two years ago, says the alliance is worried about the “worst-case scenario” and that it is preparing for it. Regarding this, Associated Press reports that the alliance is preparing for the worst-case scenario in the event of a potential change in U.S. policy.

Associated Press notes that, according to the agency, Trump’s statement about the alliance’s need to “pay” is not necessarily based on the actual situation in Europe. In particular, it says that the alliance has already allocated funds for defense spending, and that it is not clear whether the U.S. will continue to support it. It is also said that the alliance is worried that Europe may have to increase spending in order to maintain its defense capabilities.

Associated Press also reports that Rutte said that the alliance is not expecting any changes in the U.S. position, but that it is preparing for all possible scenarios. It is noted that Trump’s statements about “loyalty” and the alliance’s need to “pay” are aimed at increasing pressure on European countries.

According to EL PAÍS, the alliance is also concerned about the possibility that Trump could reduce U.S. support for NATO. It says that the alliance is preparing for a scenario in which Europe would have to take on more responsibility for its own defense. EL PAÍS also writes that Europe is likely to have to increase defense spending in order to maintain its defense capabilities.

EL PAÍS further writes that Europe’s budget for defense spending would be increased without a specific plan, and that the alliance would face a serious challenge in the coming years. It says that NATO’s rearmament efforts are being strengthened, but that it is not clear how long this will last.

Associated Press also reports that Trump’s statements about the alliance’s need to “pay” could be aimed at forcing European countries to increase defense spending. It says that Trump’s position could be influenced by the U.S. political situation and that it is not clear how it will affect NATO’s future.

In conclusion, Rutte says the NATO alliance is preparing for the worst and that it is worried about the possibility of changes in U.S. policy, which could affect Europe’s defense capabilities.

Tags: Europe/Politics/Economy