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 U.S. and UK are reducing personnel at Qatar’s Al-Udeid air base as President Donald Trump weighs possible action against Iran over its violent c...
China recorded the world’s largest-ever trade surplus in 2025, reaching $1.2 trillion as exporters shifted focus away from the U.S. amid ongoing tra...
Iran’s temporary shutdown of its airspace prompted flight diversions and fresh safety warnings on Wednesday as regional tensions disrupted airline o...
The United Nations has called on Uganda to lift a nationwide internet blackout ahead of Thursday’s general election, describing the restrictions as ...
Whole milk is heading back to school cafeterias across the U.S. after President Donald Trump signed a bill overturning Obama-era limits on higher-fat ...
The U.S. and UK are reducing personnel at Qatar’s Al-Udeid air base as President Donald Trump weighs possible action against Iran over its violent crackdown on protesters.
Whole milk is heading back to school cafeterias across the U.S. after President Donald Trump signed a bill overturning Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk options.
The United States has announced an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing from 75 countries, expanding President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration.
Denmark has announced an immediate increase in its military presence in Greenland, citing growing security tensions in the Arctic.
The Trump administration will suspend all visa processing for visitors from 75 countries beginning 21 January 2026, according to a State Department memo reported by media.
Saudi Arabia has informed Iran that it will not allow its territory or airspace to be used for any military action against Tehran, according to two sources close to the kingdom’s government cited by AFP.
Sweden is sending a group of military officers to Greenland at Denmark’s request, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said on Wednesday, as Nordic countries and NATO allies step up coordination around the Arctic territory.
Israel and Arab States have urged the U.S. to delay any potential military action against Iran, warning that such a move could undermine ongoing protests inside the country, according to NBC News.
Boeing booked more aircraft orders than Airbus in 2025 for the first time since 2018, official figures showed, even as the European manufacturer delivered more planes during the year.
Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez said Wednesday that her government will continue releasing prisoners detained under former President Nicolás Maduro, calling it part of a “new political moment” since his ouster by the United States earlier this month.
The U.S. and UK are reducing personnel at Qatar’s Al-Udeid air base as President Donald Trump weighs possible action against Iran over its violent crackdown on protesters.
The United Nations has called on Uganda to lift a nationwide internet blackout ahead of Thursday’s general election, describing the restrictions as “deeply worrying.”
Whole milk is heading back to school cafeterias across the U.S. after President Donald Trump signed a bill overturning Obama-era limits on higher-fat milk options.
NASA is carrying out the first emergency return in International Space Station history after an astronaut aboard Crew-11 suffered a serious medical condition.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment