The NATO summit conducted in The Hague on Tuesday. This year’s event was the former President Donald Trump’s first attendance at the alliance’s gathering since 2019. In the discussion, which lasted two and a half hours, Trump portrayed an alarming picture of the overall state of US–European relations. He compared it to “two children in a schoolyard.” His remarks prompted an interjection from Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, who humorously added, “And then daddy has to sometimes use strong language.”
The summit’s 48-hour duration matched a minimized agenda as the world continues to face dire geopolitical security challenges. Rutte stressed the “dangerous moment” that NATO leaders find themselves in, calling on NATO members to respect the alliance’s promise of mutual defence. This type of smart commitment sends a clear message. It arrives at an opportune moment, as tensions in Europe have increased due to long-term threats from Russia and terrorism.
Trump hailed the summit as a “big success,” highlighting that the leaders agreed to raise defence spending to at least 3.5% of each member state’s GDP by 2035. This commitment extends to the full 1.5% as well, which can be used for investments related to security infrastructure. He described the decision as a “big win for Europe and Western civilisation,” asserting that it would lead to “equalisation” among member states.
The leaders of NATO released a joint statement, reaffirming their “ironclad commitment” to defend each member against attacks, although it notably omitted a condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Rutte emphasized, “No-one should doubt our capacity or determination should our security be challenged.” He added, “This is a stronger, fairer and more lethal alliance that our leaders have begun to build.”
In a colorful sideline exchange, Trump personally confronted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, highlighting the immediate need for unified action by all allies. French President Emmanuel Macron voiced his concerns about inter-alliance relations, stating, “We can’t say to each other, among allies, we need to spend more… and wage trade war against one another. It makes no sense.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was the first to sign NATO’s new statement. He further claimed that it was in itself “sufficient, realistic and compatible”…for Madrid to fulfill its commitments and maintain low levels of expenditure.
As the debate wore on, Trump did not drop his support for Article Five of the NATO treaty. He stated, “I stand with [Article Five], that’s why I’m here.” This mutuality component of the PFP has become even more critical in inter-member defence considerations as global tensions continue to rise.