NATO allies are taking a more measured approach to U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of the alliance, with European leaders increasingly emphasizing that higher defence spending is aimed at strengthening their own security rather than satisfying Washington.
During the NATO summit in Ankara, alliance leaders approved a series of measures that included increased investments in military capabilities, a declaration that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons, and more than US$50 billion in new defence procurement commitments.
Although Trump renewed criticism of allies over defence spending, questioned NATO’s stance on Greenland and threatened trade measures against Spain, many member states responded calmly, signalling growing confidence in the alliance’s own capabilities.
Several leaders publicly reaffirmed Denmark’s sovereignty over Greenland after Trump revived the idea of the United States acquiring the Arctic territory. Behind closed doors, however, Trump reportedly struck a more conciliatory tone, praising countries including Poland, Germany and the Baltic states for boosting defence spending.
European officials said the alliance’s increased military investment is driven by evolving security threats rather than pressure from Washington. Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel said member states are taking responsibility for their own defence, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reportedly stressed that stronger military capabilities primarily serve Europe’s own interests.
According to provisional NATO figures, Europe and Canada increased defence spending by 20 per cent last year and are expected to raise it by another 11 per cent in 2026. The 31 non-U.S. allies now account for roughly 43 per cent of the alliance’s total defence spending.
Analysts say the higher investment has reduced Washington’s leverage within the alliance and made European governments less reactive to Trump’s repeated threats. Some diplomats noted that after years of warnings over troop withdrawals and other disputes that often failed to materialize, many allies now view the president’s rhetoric with greater caution than concern.
Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken said Europe is rebuilding its military strength out of self-interest rather than to appease the United States, adding that the continent is steadily moving toward taking greater responsibility for its own conventional defence over the coming decade.
