Rubio reassures US commitment to NATO and calls for 5% spending, Tajani replies: ‘Difficult with new duties’

The US Secretary of State reaffirmed the US commitment to NATO and urged the allies to allocate 5% of GDP to defence. Tajani states that the goal becomes very difficult with the new duties imposed by the US

The statement comes on the sidelines of the condolences expressed by Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte for the death of four American soldiers in Lithuania during an exercise. Rubio expressed thanks for the gesture, emphasising that ‘this tragedy reminds us that the United States is in Nato and active as never before’. He then responded to concerns raised by some media outlets, calling fears about a possible US withdrawal ‘unwarranted’. ‘President Donald Trump has already made clear his support for NATO and we will remain in NATO,’ Rubio said.

However, Rubio also urged Nato allies to take seriously their commitment to allocate at least five per cent of their GDP to defence. The secretary explained that advanced economic powers, such as those in NATO, have the capacity to do more to ensure common security. ‘We cannot continue to rely only on the United States for the defence of our territory. Every single member has to make a commitment,’ he added, acknowledging that some countries may find it difficult to do so, given the need to balance security spending with domestic social spending.

Rubio emphasised that despite domestic challenges, the US has always prioritised defence, but the Alliance needs to be able to address threats in a more concrete way. ‘We are committed to building a NATO that can truly defend its member states and deter any aggression. This is a commitment that requires everyone’s contribution,’ he explained.

On domestic political pressures, Rubio explained that it is unrealistic to reach 5 per cent of GDP anytime soon, but insisted that the path must be clear and feasible. He also emphasised that security is not an option, but a necessity for global stability, especially after recent events such as the war in Europe.

During his visit to Brussels, Rubio also met with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen to discuss bilateral relations between the US and Denmark, renewing the strong commitment between the two countries. Greenland-related tensions, however, were not explicitly addressed, although they are a hot topic in relations between Washington and Copenhagen.

Finally, Italy responded to Rubio’s call for increased defence spending. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated that the country is ready to meet the 2% GDP target, but raised difficulties in accepting an increase to 5%, considering the current economic policies and international tariffs.

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(Photo: © AndKronos)