'We have ways': Nato chief warns allies to present credible defence plans or face consequences

Nato Secretary-General Mark Rutte on Monday demanded that allies put forward “clear, concrete and credible plans” to reach the organisation’s spending targets, warning that those who do not step up would face consequences.“If one or two still have to be convinced, we have ways to do that,” Rutte said, without elaborating, ahead of a two-day summit starting Tuesday in Ankara.The summit comes at a critical time for the alliance, with the United States scaling down its security role in Europe and President Donald Trump pressing allies to shoulder more of the spending burden.The 32 nations agreed last year to invest 5 per cent of GDP on defence, 3.5 per cent on defence budgets and 1.5 per cent on infrastructure such as roads, bridges and ports for faster troop and equipment movement in conflicts.Spain has endorsed the goal but said it could fulfil Nato’s security requirements without spending so much. Some countries still struggle to meet the old target of 2 per cent of GDP.

Trump expects all allies to ‘step up immediately’

US Ambassador to Nato Matthew Whitaker suggested last week that the United States has something in store for those who do not step up, but declined to elaborate.“President Trump fully expects that all allies will step up immediately and get on the path to 5 per cent and do it with urgency,” Whitaker said.Trump has repeatedly lashed US allies over defence spending and in the past threatened not to defend any member not doing enough. He has called for “loyalty” from Nato allies after some declined to allow the use of their bases in the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Ukrainian support

On Ukraine, Rutte said: “Right now, Ukraine is changing the dynamics on the battlefield. But they need our continued support, especially when it comes to air defence.”“Allies and Nato partners must continue to ensure Ukraine gets what it needs,” he added.

Trump may not be satisfied

Rutte said Nato estimates that European allies and Canada will invest a combined $258 billion more in defence in 2025 and 2026 than in previous years. “The evidence we see so far is impressive,” he said.But the numbers may not satisfy Trump. The defence push is already stretching some national budgets, with Britain, France and Italy struggling to meet targets while Germany doubles its spending.