Norway’s Defence Minister, Tore O. Sandvik, affirmed that the United States remains committed to European defence, but emphasized that Europe must contribute more financially to ensure the U.S. can uphold its security commitments.
In an interview on Tuesday, Sandvik stressed that while American support for Europe’s defence has been questioned, particularly due to U.S. President Donald Trump’s demands for NATO countries to increase their defence spending to 5% of GDP (up from the current 2% target), he believes the U.S. remains steadfast in its support of NATO and Article 5, which guarantees collective security.
Sandvik stated that both U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Trump have confirmed their commitment to Europe’s defence in discussions with European leaders, reiterating that the U.S. stands behind NATO’s collective security principle. However, he also warned that Europe needs to take greater responsibility for its own security to ensure the U.S. can continue to meet its obligations.
This statement comes amid tensions over U.S. defence spending and concerns about the U.S. position on Ukraine’s struggle against Russian aggression. The recent leak of disparaging remarks by top Trump administration officials about Europe’s financial contributions to defence has added further strain, with Vice President JD Vance and Hegseth being quoted as expressing frustration over Europe’s reliance on U.S. support.
Sandvik highlighted Norway’s strategic role in NATO, especially in monitoring the North Atlantic and its proximity to Russian military installations on the Kola Peninsula. He reassured that Norway maintains a strong dialogue with the U.S. on this critical collaboration.
Norway has met the NATO 2% defence spending target and is planning to double its defence spending by 2036 to exceed at least 3% of GDP. Sandvik noted that Norway’s long-term defence plans, which began just two months ago, are already being revised due to emerging needs.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Thursday (24 June), exchanging views on a broad range of bilateral and international issues.
African leaders at the U.S.-Africa Business Summit in Luanda have called for an end to aid-based relations with the U.S., urging a stronger focus on private investment and transformative partnerships.
A preliminary U.S. intelligence report suggests strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities have delayed the programme by only a few months, contradicting President Donald Trump’s assertion that it was completely destroyed.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
Iranian missiles struck multiple locations across Israel and neighbouring regions early Friday morning, including a Microsoft office complex, according to emergency responders and local media reports.
A high-speed tram derailment in central Gothenburg, Sweden, has left at least eight people injured late on Thursday (19 June), after the vehicle slammed into a snack bar on Avenyn Avenue.
Wizz Air has suspended all flights to and from Tel Aviv, Israel, and its European services to Amman, Jordan, effective immediately until 15 September due to escalating situation in the Middle East. Also, the air carrier temporarily suspended its flights between Astana, Kazakhstan, and Abu Dhabi.
China has unveiled a mosquito-sized bionic drone designed for covert military operations and battlefield reconnaissance, marking a major advance in micro-robotics and stealth technology as part of the country’s growing focus on next-generation warfare capabilities.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 25th June, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A landslide in northwest Colombia has left multiple people dead and injured, with rescue efforts still underway.
U.S. and Iranian officials have engaged in dialogue amid recent regional tensions, with Washington expressing cautious optimism about the outcome.
The United States is not planning to impose additional sanctions on Russia for now, aiming instead to keep diplomatic channels open to pursue a peace deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran is now "much further away from a nuclear weapon" following recent U.S. airstrikes on Tehran’s nuclear sites, contradicting reports that the damage only caused minor delays.
Kazakhstan’s Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov has announced a major reform initiative aimed at strengthening national sovereignty in the country’s space sector.
An historic mission began early on Wednesday (25 June) as astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary were launched to the International Space Station (ISS) for their countries’ first-ever visit. They were joined by NASA veteran Peggy Whitson.
An explosive device detonated on an armoured combat-engineering vehicle in Khan Younis in Gaza, killing seven Israeli soldiers and seriously wounding another soldier on Tuesday (24 June).
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