Marco Rubio tells NATO that US committed to alliance; says it must be ‘stronger’

The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has assured NATO allies that Washington is committed to the alliance, despite concerns raised by President Donald Trump’s earlier remarks. Speaking at a NATO foreign ministers’ meeting in Brussels, Rubio said that the United States seeks a stronger and more capable NATO.

Rubio, as per the reports, said that the US is as active in NATO as it has ever been. He dismissed alleged hysteria and hyperbole in the media over Trump’s stance on the alliance. Rubio said that Trump has made it clear that the US supports NATO and they will remain a part of the organisation.

However, Rubio reiterated Trump’s call for NATO allies to shoulder more responsibility. He, as per the Euro News report, urged European nations and Canada to increase their defence spending to five per cent of GDP. This reportedly is double of the current two per cent target which several nations including Belgium, Italy, and Spain fail to meet.


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Pressure mounts for higher defence spending

As per the report, Rubio clarified that the US expected a firm commitment from the allies to increase investment in military and warned that global security threats were on the rise.

Speaking at the meeting, he said that he understands domestic politics make it difficult, but a full-scale war in Europe is a reminder that hard power is still necessary as a deterrent. His comment referenced Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

According to the reports, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the need for increased defence spending. He stated that the European members and Canada must contribute north of three per cent of their GDP to defence. However, NATO is still assessing its capability gaps. A final decision on the new spending target is expected at the alliance’s summit in June.

Concerns over US troop withdrawals

In spite of Rubio reassuring the alliance, European members are still concerned about potential reductions in US troop deployments in Europe. Nearly 100,000 American soldiers are currently stationed across Europe, playing a key role in NATO’s defence strategy.

Rubio has not directly addressed troop withdrawals, and NATO Secretary General Rutte suggested that no immediate reductions are planned. Media reports, though, have hinted that Washington is considering a cut between 20,000 and 50,000 troops.

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A NATO diplomat anonymously told a reporter that they need to pre-empt a rapid retreat and added that NATO has received no precise statement from the US yet.

FAQs

1. What has Marco Rubio said about NATO?
   Marco Rubio conveyed confidence to allies that the US is still committed to NATO, but he encouraged members to raise their defence spending to 5% of their GDP
   

2 . Is the US planning to withdraw troops from Europe?
There has not been a formal announcement, but reports have suggested that reduction of nearly 50,000 troops, maybe even more soldiers, is on the table. NATO allies are working on plans and options for contingency plans if there is a drawdown.