Trump's NATO demands spark European defence budget turmoil

European capitals are concerned about Donald Trump's plans to increase defence spending in NATO countries. According to the Financial Times, the president-elect's foreign policy advisors have indicated that after his inauguration, Trump will expect allies to significantly raise their defence budgets.

At the same time, Trump intends to maintain military aid supplies for Ukraine, which is fending off Russian aggression. According to the "Financial Times," one source believes that the president-elect will ultimately agree to increase defence budgets to 3.5% of GDP but will link this to demands for more favourable trade terms with Europe for the U.S.

Another European source told the newspaper that before the NATO summit in The Hague in June, "it is clear that we are talking about 3% or more" of defence spending required.

Senior British officials responsible for security report that Trump, who during his campaign promised to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, is still demanding an immediate cessation of hostilities. He believes that Ukraine should never become a member of the Alliance and that supplying arms to Kyiv after a secured truce will guarantee peace.

During the election campaign, Trump threatened to impose universal tariffs of 10% or 20% on all U.S. trading partners, including the European Union, block aid to Ukraine, and withdraw the United States from NATO if European allies do not "pay for their security."

These declarations have alarmed European capitals, who fear that without Washington's support, they will become defenceless and unable to assist Kyiv. The problem is that many governments in Europe are concerned about the consequences of unpopular financial decisions related to meeting Trump's demands, as the "Financial Times" points out.