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Rubio declares US cannot fund NATO anymore
(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that the United States can no longer subsidize NATO’s defense spending, particularly for wealthy Western European members. Rubio’s comments came in response to Friedrich Merz, leader of Germany’s Christian Democratic Union, who suggested that NATO is in danger due to Washington’s “indifference” towards Europe’s security.
Rubio dismissed the claim, stating that NATO is not at risk, but highlighted that the real concern lies in NATO allies, particularly those in Western Europe, who have neglected to invest in their militaries for decades. He emphasized that countries like Germany, with ample financial resources, should be responsible for funding their national defense instead of relying on the US to cover the costs.
The US has long criticized European NATO members for spending only 1% to 1.5% of their GDP on defense. Rubio stressed that these nations, which are wealthy, should prioritize national security by increasing their defense budgets. He reiterated that Washington cannot continue to subsidize them.
Rubio’s remarks echo earlier statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who argued that NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP is insufficient, proposing instead a 5% target. Trump had also stated that he would consider withdrawing the US from NATO if members do not fulfill their financial obligations.
In contrast, the US spends approximately 3.4% of its GDP on defense, a much higher percentage than European NATO members, whose average spending stands at 1.9%. Meeting Trump’s proposed spending target could lead to significant budget deficits in countries like France and Germany, according to estimates.
Since 2022, the US and its allies have allocated over $258 billion in aid to Ukraine, including significant military assistance, with stockpiles running low and challenges in increasing arms production. Rubio's comments come as tensions continue over NATO’s role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Rubio dismissed the claim, stating that NATO is not at risk, but highlighted that the real concern lies in NATO allies, particularly those in Western Europe, who have neglected to invest in their militaries for decades. He emphasized that countries like Germany, with ample financial resources, should be responsible for funding their national defense instead of relying on the US to cover the costs.
The US has long criticized European NATO members for spending only 1% to 1.5% of their GDP on defense. Rubio stressed that these nations, which are wealthy, should prioritize national security by increasing their defense budgets. He reiterated that Washington cannot continue to subsidize them.
Rubio’s remarks echo earlier statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who argued that NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP is insufficient, proposing instead a 5% target. Trump had also stated that he would consider withdrawing the US from NATO if members do not fulfill their financial obligations.
In contrast, the US spends approximately 3.4% of its GDP on defense, a much higher percentage than European NATO members, whose average spending stands at 1.9%. Meeting Trump’s proposed spending target could lead to significant budget deficits in countries like France and Germany, according to estimates.
Since 2022, the US and its allies have allocated over $258 billion in aid to Ukraine, including significant military assistance, with stockpiles running low and challenges in increasing arms production. Rubio's comments come as tensions continue over NATO’s role in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
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