The diplomats of the NATO They sought this Monday to manage the serious crisis unleashed by donald trump and his warning to countries in default on their contributions, in a situation that leaves the military alliance once again under threat.
A senior NATO diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, noted that Trump’s recent statements could be described as an “attack on the soul of the alliance.”
On Saturday, Trump caused a global shock by suggesting that, if he is re-elected to the White House, I would not defend those NATO countries that are behind on their payments.
In addition, the former US president and once again aspiring to the White House, said that he would encourage Russia to “do whatever he wants” with those countries in debt.
The fundamental pillar on which all of NATO rests is the idea of collective defense of all its members, a concept embodied in the famous Article 5 of its founding treaty.
The current president of the United States, Joe Bidensaid that Trump’s comments were “appalling and dangerous,” and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned in X that a scenario like the one proposed by Trump “undermines all of our security, including that of the United States.”
The head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrellsaid this Monday that NATO “cannot be a military alliance that works depending on the mood of the president of the United States.”
“Let’s be serious! NATO cannot be an ‘à la carte’ alliance,” she commented, adding that she did not intend to “waste time commenting on any silly idea that arises during this campaign in the United States.”
“Worrying” statement
During his term, Trump allegedly considered removing his country from NATOand bitterly criticized members like Germany for falling far short of the goal of spending 2% of GDP on defense.
“We are all aware of the statements he can make,” another diplomat from a NATO member told AFP.
In the opinion of another diplomat, the comments will be understood “in the context of the US election campaign.”
Beyond the shock of the statements – when there are days left until two years have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine-, a diplomat admitted that several countries in the bloc have not reached the goal of investing 2% of their GDP in defense.
“The statement is worrying, but at the same time many allies have not reached the minimum of 2%,” commented this diplomat.
In 2022, given the situation in Ukraine, the NATO decided that 2% is a minimum level, and not a maximum limit.
“Forget the rhetoric, and stick with money”commented a NATO diplomat.
Another official noted that while many feared the worst during Trump’s term, the story was different, as NATO “invested more in the eastern flank, basically made Europe invest more in defense.”
In any case, all those consulted pointed out that now raising questions about Washington’s commitment to NATO is precisely what Russia wants to hear at the moment.
Source: Gestion
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