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.
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U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for an immediate end to the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying he “hopes they can stop now” after a series of deadly cross‑border strikes.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for an immediate end to the escalating hostilities between India and Pakistan, saying he “hopes they can stop now” after a series of deadly cross‑border strikes.
The U.S. Federal Reserve kept its benchmark federal funds rate unchanged on Wednesday, maintaining the target range at 4.25% to 4.50%, in a widely expected move as the central bank navigates a complex economic environment marked by slowing inflation, global trade tensions, and political pressure.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that an announcement related to the Gaza Strip is likely within the next 24 hours, signaling potential developments in the U.S. approach to the worsening humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.
A Rafale fighter jet operated by the Indian Air Force has reportedly been shot down for the first time in combat, according to sources cited by CNN, marking a significant and symbolic development in the ongoing escalation between India and Pakistan.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailed what he called a “great victory” for the nation’s armed forces on Wednesday, following what officials described as a major air incursion attempt by the Indian Air Force.
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