German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday evening that European nations understand they must do more within NATO to shoulder the alliance's burden, according to the N12 report. "We are doing it," he emphasized. The statement comes amid ongoing debate over European defense spending and the US role in the alliance.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Thursday evening that European nations recognize the need to increase their contributions to the NATO alliance. "European nations understand that they must do more within NATO — and we are doing it," Merz said, according to an N12 report.
The statement reflects the ongoing shift in European security policy, with EU members facing renewed pressure to boost defense spending as the United States reassesses its troop presence on the continent. The Zioneer reported earlier Thursday that NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that a US troop reduction from Europe has taken effect, while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth accused some allies of betrayal and announced a review of American military posture in Europe.
Merz's comments add a leading European voice to the discussion over burden-sharing within the alliance, as Germany and other EU states weigh their commitments under the current security framework.
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