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.
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, is traveling to Moscow this week for renewed peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The White House confirmed Tuesday that Witkoff will attempt to advance negotiations aimed at ending the war in Ukraine.
South Korean Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok departed for Washington on Tuesday to lead high-level trade negotiations with U.S. officials.
China’s pivot away from U.S. liquefied petroleum gas under new tariffs is shaking global energy flows, slashing demand, and fuelling a scramble for alternatives across Asia, with Middle Eastern suppliers and rival buyers seizing the moment.
In an unprecedented twist to U.S. immigration enforcement, hundreds of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, are being held in one of the world’s most notorious mega-prisons. It’s not in Texas or Arizona, but 70 kilometres east of San Salvador, under the iron grip of Nayib Bukele’s security state.
The Kremlin on Monday expressed satisfaction with recent statements from Washington indicating that Ukraine’s NATO membership is no longer under consideration — a position that aligns closely with Russia’s long-standing stance on the issue.
On April 23, a ceremony for the signing of documents between Azerbaijan and China was held in Beijing, with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing has criticized Washington's pressure tactics, warning that threats and coercion are not conducive to resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani cultural ministers signed a 2025–2026 roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Bishkek.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
The Holy Fire ceremony stands as one of Christianity's most enduring and mysterious rituals, drawing thousands of pilgrims to Jerusalem each year.
Pope Francis's relationship with Azerbaijan has evolved significantly over the years, characterized by diplomatic exchanges, promotion of religious tolerance, and peace advocacy in the Caucasus region.
Severe rainfall on April 17 led to flooding and landslides in the Piedmont region, prompting a large-scale emergency response from over 400 firefighters.
China has rolled out the world’s first 10-gigabit (10G) fixed broadband network in Xiong'an New Area, promising ultra-fast speeds and low latency through cutting-edge optical infrastructure.
Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope and a transformative figure in the Roman Catholic Church, has passed away at the age of 88, the Vatican confirmed in a video statement on Monday.
On April 23, a ceremony for the signing of documents between Azerbaijan and China was held in Beijing, with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing has criticized Washington's pressure tactics, warning that threats and coercion are not conducive to resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for April 23rd, covering the latest developments you need to know.
On April 23, a ceremony for the signing of documents between Azerbaijan and China was held in Beijing, with the participation of Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China.
Beijing has criticized Washington's pressure tactics, warning that threats and coercion are not conducive to resolving trade tensions between the two countries.
Kyrgyz and Azerbaijani cultural ministers signed a 2025–2026 roadmap to deepen bilateral cooperation during a meeting in Bishkek.
On April 23, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and President Xi Jinping of China convened an expanded meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
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