NATO: Europe ranks fourth in US security priorities

US envoy to NATO Matthew Whitaker stated that European defense ranks fourth among Washington’s global security priorities. According to Whitaker, the top priorities are homeland defense, the Western Hemisphere, and the Pacific.

Under the Trump administration, there is increased pressure on NATO allies to assume greater responsibility for their own continental defense. Whitaker noted that European members and Canada have already spent an additional $139 billion on defense, which includes $60 billion for US-made equipment and ammunition. This shift is described as being beneficial to American taxpayers as allies take over conventional defense duties.

Following a NATO summit in The Hague, members agreed to increase defense and security spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target. Additionally, the Pentagon is currently reviewing the future of the approximately 80,000 US troops stationed in Europe.