European Foreign Ministers meet with NATO chief in Brussels

The Foreign Ministers of the UK, US, Germany, France and Italy met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte as the defense alliance gathers in Brussels for talks. The meeting was chaired by the NATO Secretary General, who assumed the position in October 2024. ​

During the meeting, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of European nations increasing defense spending, proposing a gradual increase to 5% of GDP. He acknowledged that achieving this target would require time and significant investment, including from the United States. ​ The ministers also addressed concerns about potential shifts in U.S. military presence in Europe.