European nations, including Spain, Italy, and France, would likely not have committed to allocating 2 percent of their GDP to defense without the renewed pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, according to remarks made by former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.
Increased Defense Spending
Rutte stated, “No way, without Donald Trump this would never have happened. They’re all on 2 percent now.” He expressed his conviction that these decisions, which he described as “crucial” for the post-Cold War world, would not have been made in Trump’s absence. Rutte led the Netherlands as prime minister for 14 years, from 2010 to 2024, a period during which the country faced accusations of underspending on defense.
The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine has prompted increased defense spending across Europe, alongside considerations for a potential reduction in U.S. troop presence. Currently, the U.S. maintains over 80,000 soldiers in Europe, including deployments in Poland and Germany. Rutte acknowledged the U.S. need to shift focus towards Asia, stating it is “only logical” for them to expect Europe to increase its contributions to collective defense.
Last summer, NATO allies agreed to a new target of 5 percent of GDP for defense spending by 2035. This target was initially proposed by Trump, who has repeatedly raised concerns about the possibility of withdrawing from the military alliance that provides security for Europe.
Rutte emphasized the importance of the nuclear umbrella as a key security guarantee for the alliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What countries did Rutte specifically mention as increasing defense spending?
Rutte specifically mentioned Spain, Italy, and France as major European economies that have agreed to allocate 2 percent of their GDP to defense.
How many U.S. soldiers are currently stationed in Europe?
According to Rutte, the Americans currently have over 80,000 soldiers in Europe, including deployments in Poland and Germany.
What is the new defense spending target agreed upon by NATO allies?
NATO allies reached a deal to spend 5 percent of their GDP on defense by 2035, a target originally raised by Trump.
As European nations navigate shifting geopolitical landscapes and potential changes in U.S. foreign policy, how might the balance of security responsibilities within NATO continue to evolve?
