NATO Allies Adjust Stance, Seek Unity Ahead Hague Summit

NATO faces significant challenges as it prepares for a critical summit in The Hague, with unity strained by U.S. President Donald Trump's demands that European members increase their defense spending to 5 percent of GDP, up from the current 2 percent. Secretary-General Mark Rutte is working to maintain alliance cohesion and push for greater military investment among the 32 member countries, despite concerns about U.S. reliability and Trump's unpredictable approach. European allies, wary of Trump's threat to withhold defense commitments from countries not meeting spending targets, have softened their public support for Ukraine's NATO membership to appease the American leader. The summit is deliberately short to minimize potential conflicts, highlighting the central role of Trump's influence on NATO's agenda. Experts note that NATO's capability still heavily depends on U.S. military power, including its nuclear umbrella, and that European countries must take more responsibility for their own defense. Meanwhile, leaders like Australia's Prime Minister face diplomatic dilemmas balancing relations with Trump amid broader alliance tensions and demands for increased defense contributions.