Trump's NATO challenge: A push for higher defence spending
Even before being sworn in, Donald Trump harshly criticised European NATO countries. He also changed his stance on ending the conflict in Ukraine, suggesting he could achieve it within half a year, not in 24 hours as he previously claimed. "Trump is trying to pressure allies and make a significant entrance to the White House," comments Gen. Stanisław Koziej, former head of the National Security Bureau.
During a Tuesday press conference at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, Donald Trump devoted considerable time to the war in Ukraine and the North Atlantic Alliance. He recalled his words from his first presidency that instead of the required 2% defence spending, Alliance countries should allocate 5% of GDP. Asked if he would push for raising defence spending to this level, Trump answered affirmatively.
"You can't do it with 2%"
Trump believed that NATO members should allocate 5% of their GDP to defence spending, emphasizing that 2% is insufficient. He suggested that countries with standard military forces should aim for 4%, while those in high-risk areas should commit to 5%, noting that all member nations are capable of meeting these targets.
According to his suggestion, the United States wouldn't protect countries failing to meet these requirements. During Donald Trump's first term, defence spending in NATO was a central point of contention. The Republican threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the military alliance if partner countries failed to invest at least 2% of GDP in defence.
Gen. Koziej: pressure could yield better results
- Trump did not succeed very well then. However, some countries, including Poland, have begun to take the issue seriously. Now, Trump’s pressure on European allies may yield much better results. It’s all due to the war in Ukraine and the threat from Russia. It's Putin who forces Europe to make such decisions – Gen. Stanisław Koziej, former head of the National Security Bureau.
In his opinion, NATO will not agree with Trump's recommendations at the upcoming summit. – But since Americans have long expected European allies to contribute more to defence, aiming towards 5% is more realistic – Gen. Koziej believes.
In a similar tone, Marcus Faber, chairman of the defence committee in the Bundestag from the liberal FDP, spoke on Wednesday. He believes that 5% is too much, but - in his opinion - 32 NATO countries will need to agree on a new, collective minimum exceeding the 2% goal. Former defence committee chair and MEP Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann commented more harshly on Trump's statement. - We shouldn't go crazy over every statement from Trump. We're not at a market - said the FDP politician in an interview with RND.
In his view, risks lie in dividing European allies into better and worse.
