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Trump and Rutte: An alliance for the future of NATO in The Hague!
On June 24, 2025, NATO will meet in The Hague to increase defense spending and discuss current conflicts.
Trump and Rutte: An alliance for the future of NATO in The Hague!
The NATO summit is currently taking place in The Hague, where US President Donald Trump and 31 other heads of state and government are discussing the future of the alliance. A central point of the talks is defense spending, which is to be increased to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. This was emphasized by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who has advocated greater responsibility for Germany within NATO in order to make the Bundeswehr the strongest conventional army in Europe ( Voice.de ).
Before the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte congratulated Trump on his impact within the alliance. He particularly praised the 5 percent pledge from European countries, which Rutte called "really, really important" for America, Europe and the world. In a personal letter, he also praised Trump's military actions against Iranian nuclear facilities, which he described as exceptional, and noted that Europe was being "made to pay heavily" in what could be seen as a Trump victory ( Insuedthueringen.de ).
Tensions and challenges
Geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, are casting a shadow over the summit. Trump's previous statements had already raised concerns about the US's commitment to provide assistance. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed optimism while appealing for support for Ukraine's defense industry. He urgently needs $35 billion to continue his country's military efforts, but 40% of that is lacking in funding ( Voice.de, ZDF today ).
At the summit itself there is no official mention of Ukrainian NATO membership, which Trump had already rejected in advance. Nevertheless, Merz emphasizes Germany's determination to continue to defend freedom and security in Europe together with France. Security Operation Orange Shield is also on the agenda, with a massive deployment of 27,000 police and over 10,000 soldiers to ensure security during the summit ( ZDF today ).
A united NATO goal
The defense ministers of the NATO countries meet for separate working lunches to discuss the current challenges. It remains to be seen to what extent the discussions will lead to an agreement, particularly on support for Ukraine and reforms within NATO. The members want to send a strong signal that they stand united in the face of global uncertainties and are ready to take responsibility ( Insuedthueringen.de, Voice.de ).