Foreign ministers from NATO member states gathered in Brussels on Thursday, not long after US President Donald Trump’s introduction of a new set of tariffs provoked anger among allies.

Since assuming office, there has been tension between the US and its NATO counterparts in Europe and Canada due to Trump’s promises to levy tariffs over perceived unfair trade imbalances.

Additionally, concerns have risen about the possibility of the US pulling its military forces out of Europe, especially following comments from high-ranking officials within the Trump administration.

However, before the meeting commenced, NATO chief Mark Rutte sought to alleviate these fears, stating that there would be no “sudden” withdrawal of US forces from Europe.

Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, stated that the US needs to focus on “more theaters than one.”

He avoided commenting on the possible reaction of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who was also attending the summit.

Rutte emphasized that the main focus for all 32 NATO members is to defend against Russia, “our long-term threat,” even after a hoped-for resolution on Ukraine.

In response to whether he still believed in the US as a reliable ally within NATO, Rutte stated “Absolutely, they are.”

Rubio, for his part, called on NATO members to increase their defense spending to 5% of GDP prior to the talks.

“We do want to leave here with an understanding that we are on a pathway, a realistic pathway, to every single one of the members committed and fulfilling a promise to reach up to 5% of spending. That includes the US,” he stated.

Rubio also attempted to demonstrate Washington’s ongoing commitment to the alliance by asserting that the US is “as active as it has ever been.”

Edited by: Wesley Dockery

Source: https://www.dw.com/en/nato-members-seek-assurances-at-summit-amid-us-tariffs/a-72126524?maca=en-rss-en-all-1573-rdf