The United States affirms its dedication to NATO but insists that European allies substantially increase their defense expenditures, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While acknowledging the need for allies to meet spending targets, Rubio indicated a grace period for compliance.

Rubio’s remarks were made during a NATO foreign ministers meeting in Brussels, where European nations sought clarity on the US position amidst trade tariff concerns raised by President Donald Trump. Despite anxieties about the Trump administration’s stance and the future of the 75-year-old transatlantic alliance, Rubio dismissed doubts as “hysteria.”

He clarified that President Trump’s concerns stem from NATO’s current inability to fulfill its obligations due to insufficient resources, rather than opposition to the alliance itself. Trump has advocated for member states to allocate 5% of their gross domestic product to defense, a significant increase from the existing 2% target that no member, including the US, currently meets.

Washington has communicated that it can no longer prioritize European security, expecting allies to take greater responsibility. Rubio emphasized the need for a “realistic path” towards achieving the 5% defense spending goal, while acknowledging that immediate compliance is not expected. European ministers are anticipated to present plans for boosting military budgets during the meeting.