NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Friday that the sweeping new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump do not breach the alliance’s treaties, including the provision encouraging economic collaboration among member nations.
His comments came during a meeting with NATO foreign ministers in Brussels, where concerns were raised about the potential impact of the tariffs on Article 2 of the NATO treaty.
The tariff dispute centers on the recent measures imposed by Trump, which have rattled global markets and sparked fears of a broader trade conflict. When questioned about whether these tariffs violated the treaty’s commitment to eliminate conflicts in international economic policies, Rutte replied, “I don’t think this is in breach of Article Two. No, I don’t think so. We have seen in the past many examples of differences of view, of fights over tariffs. This has happened before, without that being in violation of Article 2.”
Rutte also emphasized that the issue of trade disputes falls outside his core mandate. “My role is deeply focusing on the defense of NATO territory, and that is why I'm not commenting on other things than directly related to the defense of NATO,” he added.
In addition to addressing the tariff issue, Rutte underscored that NATO’s primary long-term concern remains the threat posed by Russia. “We realize that there is one long-term and enduring, unpleasantly enduring threat, and that is Russia, and that is what our focus has to be about,” he said.
During the same meeting, NATO allies heard a “clear message” from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio affirming the United States’ commitment to the alliance. Rubio’s remarks also called on Europe and Canada to take on more responsibility for shared security and to continue increasing defense spending.
The discussion highlights the complex interplay between economic policies and defense commitments within NATO, as member states navigate the challenges posed by divergent national interests while maintaining a united front against common security threats.
The Ukrainian government has allocated $2.7 million to hire consulting services to assist with a draft minerals deal with the United States, according to a government document dated April 8.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Tuesday that the United States is generating nearly $2 billion per day from tariffs. Speaking at the White House, Trump highlighted the success of his administration’s tariff strategy, referring to it as part of "tailored deals" with various countries.
The U.S. State Department on Tuesday voiced serious concern over the arrest of American academic Paul Chambers in Thailand, where he faces charges of insulting the monarchy under the country’s strict lese-majeste law.
The United States said on Tuesday that 104% duties on imports from China will take effect shortly after midnight, even as the Trump administration launched talks with allies also targeted by the tariff regime.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday held a high-level call with South Korea’s acting President Han Duck-soo, discussing tariffs, LNG imports, and a potential $44-billion energy deal — just a day before a 25% tariff on South Korean goods is due to take effect.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian intelligence had identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The claim follows the recent capture of two Chinese citizens in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to advance.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in fully implementing his sweeping new tariffs, offering a 10% universal rate for many countries while talks continue.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has struck a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), forming a new government aimed at lifting Europe’s largest economy out of stagnation just as U.S. tariffs risk plunging global trade into crisis.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in fully implementing his new tariffs for certain countries. During this period, the White House clarified that a universal tariff rate of 10% will be applied, providing space for ongoing negotiations.
On a landmark visit to Rome, King Charles emphasized the enduring bond between Britain and Italy, calling for unity and peace amid ongoing conflict in Europe.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
President Trump’s new tariffs hit 185 countries, with Kazakhstan facing the highest rate at 27%. Kazakhstan now seeks talks with U.S. officials to ease the impact.
The first-ever summit between the European Union (EU) and the five Central Asian nations—Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan - began today in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The U.S. has pressured Lebanon to act against Hezbollah, urging the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce a ceasefire. The LAF, caught between U.S. demands and Hezbollah’s influence, risks losing vital U.S. support if it fails to act.
The death toll from the catastrophic roof collapse at a nightclub in Santo Domingo has risen to 98, with more than 160 people injured, according to Dominican authorities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian intelligence had identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The claim follows the recent capture of two Chinese citizens in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to advance.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has struck a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), forming a new government aimed at lifting Europe’s largest economy out of stagnation just as U.S. tariffs risk plunging global trade into crisis.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in fully implementing his new tariffs for certain countries. During this period, the White House clarified that a universal tariff rate of 10% will be applied, providing space for ongoing negotiations.
On a landmark visit to Rome, King Charles emphasized the enduring bond between Britain and Italy, calling for unity and peace amid ongoing conflict in Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that Ukrainian intelligence had identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine. The claim follows the recent capture of two Chinese citizens in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces continue to advance.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in fully implementing his sweeping new tariffs, offering a 10% universal rate for many countries while talks continue.
German conservative leader Friedrich Merz has struck a coalition deal with the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), forming a new government aimed at lifting Europe’s largest economy out of stagnation just as U.S. tariffs risk plunging global trade into crisis.
On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause in fully implementing his new tariffs for certain countries. During this period, the White House clarified that a universal tariff rate of 10% will be applied, providing space for ongoing negotiations.
On a landmark visit to Rome, King Charles emphasized the enduring bond between Britain and Italy, calling for unity and peace amid ongoing conflict in Europe.
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