In Brussels, the NATO defense ministers are convening, marking the first appearance of the new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth. This meeting is set against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's stern expectations for the alliance. Hegseth, known for his candid communication, is expected to demand increased defense spending from European allies, pushing them to contribute more to their own security.
Hegseth's call for defense investments mirrors Trump's controversial proposal for NATO members to allocate five percent of their GDP to defense. This demand is met with skepticism from European leaders, including Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who views it as financially unfeasible. While some Eastern European countries like Poland show support for increased spending, most NATO members find Trump's target unrealistic, leaning towards a more achievable goal, possibly around three to 3.5 percent.
This meeting also addresses the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Hegseth has dismissed the notion of returning to pre-2014 borders and suggests that American troops will not be deployed in Ukraine. Instead, European nations are encouraged to bolster their military contributions. Discussions with the Ukrainian defense minister are expected to shed light on potential peace strategies, though Hegseth remains firm on maintaining a robust NATO presence.
The Pentagon chief's stance signals a shift towards reinforcing NATO's military capabilities, aiming for a stronger deterrent against threats. This comes as NATO countries deliberate on their defense strategies amidst rising geopolitical tensions, particularly focusing on developing a more independent defense posture within Europe.
