De Wever: NATO's strength endures despite US criticism

Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever projected confidence in NATO's resilience during the alliance's summit in Ankara, despite critical remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump. De Wever asserted that the United States' commitment to NATO, spanning 80 years, would not waver due to a president's critiques.

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The United States has been the biggest ally within NATO for 80 years. That will not change because an [American] president is critical of the organization.

"The United States has been the biggest ally within NATO for 80 years. That will not change because an [American] president is critical of the organization," De Wever told reporters. However, he also expressed regret over Trump's stance toward the transatlantic organization and European nations.

Aligning with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte's priorities, De Wever outlined three key objectives for the summit. He called for allies to boost defense spending towards the 5% of GDP target set last year, noting Belgium's significant increase of nearly 60% to meet the previous 2% threshold. He also stressed the need to accelerate the development of Europe's industrial base, stating progress is being made.

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We will grant two military aid packages worth 70 billion euros to Ukraine.

Furthermore, De Wever pledged continued support for Ukraine, announcing two military aid packages totaling 70 billion euros. He described this aid as a "red card for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin," implicitly criticizing Trump's approach. Addressing U.S. strikes against Iran, De Wever stated the issue was not within NATO's scope but acknowledged the goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

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And everyone knows that you cannot simply take back a red card.