Nato foreign ministers meet to navigate shifting partnership with the US – Europe live | World news
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Whatever it’s worth, We should hear from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio soon He is expected to arrive at the NATO ministerial meeting any day now.
Perhaps he could offer some more clarity on the US deployment to Poland, following host Sweden. Maria Malmer Stenergard He acknowledged that US announcements are sometimes “really confusing and not always easy to navigate.”
of italy Antonio Tajani It emphasizes the need for a balanced NATO based on two pillars: the United States and European allies.
At the same time, it declares its full support for Ukraine, not only through NATO, but also in terms of its full membership in the European Union, and in this context also emphasizes the Western Balkans.
But he also says NATO needs “a strong engagement in the south” rather than just looking at risks from “the east”; by which he clearly means Russia.
Meanwhile in Sweden and Finland Elina Valtonen He chooses an interesting phrase to describe his expectations for today’s meeting when he says that the ministers will “listen to Secretary Rubio to tie the United States to NATO.”
It also draws attention to Russia’s “unacceptable” “disinformation” campaign against the Baltic states and, more generally, speaks of Moscow’s responsibility for the state of relations with NATO, which remains a purely defensive alliance.
One person died and ‘several’ injured after explosion at industrial complex in Hungary
I pay attention in other places First reports of an explosion at a facility owned by the Hungarian oil company MOL in Tiszaújváros in northern Hungary.
Prime Minister of Hungary Peter Magyar he said A post on Facebook While the energy minister was on his way to the scene, it was stated that one person had died and “many” people were seriously injured.
Hungarian media outlet 444.hu reported Here are some photos from the scene after the reported explosion, showing black smoke rising over the facility.
Polish Sikorski thanked Trump for his statement about US soldiers last night
of poland Radosław Sikorski His face beamed with joy last night following the US announcement that 5,000 US troops would be deployed to Poland.
He thanked Trump for the decisionHe said that means the U.S. troop presence in Poland “will be maintained at roughly previous levels” after the Pentagon halted a planned rotation of 4,000 troops.
The exact details of the proposed distribution are not yet clear, but Sikorski is happy with it nonetheless. “All’s well that ends well,” he smiles.
He said last night’s talks focused on Ukraine. “things are getting better” and adds that he hopes Russia’s Vladimir Putin will “recalculate” the cost of continuing the war.
Rutte says NATO’s defence, capability target and Ukraine are among key issues
Outlining your plans for today NATO’s Rutte said the talks would focus on “making sure the money is there to deter and defend ourselves against any adversary.” but also to turn money into actual capabilities by increasing European production.
“We are making progress, but there is still a lot to be done. Ankara will also focus a lot on this issue.”
Also specifically mentioned Ukrainianand the need to talk about “how we can keep Ukraine as strong as possible in the fight,” including getting more funding from European NATO allies.
Earlier this month, Rutte floated the idea of a 0.25% GDP target for spending on Ukraine;As he later admitted (Europe Live, Wednesday) – however, we expect more pressure on allies in this area.
will also Some discussion about reforming NATO in general, with the aim of placing more burdens on European alliesUS attention is slowly turning away from Europe.
“What you will see in the coming period is a process in which Europeans step by step become more prominent.That’s really important – Americans recognize that too – and along the way, of course, you’re always going to make decisions and announcements that are part of the long-term trajectory. …
NATO is a political military alliance, and this is the biggest difference between it and China or Russia, where ultimately all decisions are made by one person. “We are a democratic alliance and we are a military alliance and that means that decisions will always be determined by military and political considerations, that is how it works.”
Rutte also openly acknowledged Trump’s “disappointment” with NATO’s response to the Iran war: So we expect this to emerge as well.
Morning opening: NATO meets to assess situation ahead of Ankara summit amid tensions with Russia in the Baltics
Yakup Krupa
NATO foreign ministers are meeting today in Helsingborg, Sweden, to discuss the status of the alliance ahead of the major summit to be held in Ankara in July.
Coming right in the middle of the meeting Increasing concerns about Russia’s provocations and accusations against the Baltic countries on its eastern flank, With direct threats that even NATO membership would not save them from Moscow’s wrath.
Estonian foreign minister Margus Tsakhna in question:
“Russia is now using this opportunity to tell fake news, completely fake news, that NATO allows Ukraine to use our territory or NATO states as the Baltic states, as well as Finland, for attacks against Russia, and this is fake news, because we do not allow it.”
Latvia Baiba Braže added:
“We are grateful that all allies have come forward and rejected Russia’s accusations against the Baltic states, Finland and Poland. No, we do not allow Ukraine to use our airspace, land or sea. “This is a fact.”
However There’s good news, too, as US president Donald Trump announces plans to send 5,000 US troops to PolandIt makes an apparent U-turn on an earlier decision to halt a long-planned rotation of a U.S. brigade.
Although Poland’s top leaders were pleased with the news, NATO secretary general Mark Rutte struck a slightly more cautious note Managing expectations regarding the US presence in Europe, says:
“Our military commanders are examining all the details, but of course I welcome it.” [the announcement].
But let’s be clear, the path we’re on …a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO, To make sure that step by step over time we will become less dependent on a single ally, as we have been for so long, the United States of America. so that they continue to have the opportunity and option to pursue other priorities that are also in our interests.”
There will be more talking behind closed doors, including Trump’s clear frustration with the way NATO has responded to US demands regarding the Iran war.
“There are countries like Spain that prevent us from using these bases; So why are you in NATO then? “That’s a very fair question,” said the US Secretary of State. Marco Rubio he told reporters as he left Miami. “To be fair, other countries in NATO have been very helpful. But we need to discuss this.”
Looks like we have a busy day ahead of us. I’ll bring you all the important lines here.
His Friday, 22 May 2026his Yakup Krupa here and this Europe Live.
Good morning.
