USA to cut spending on North Atlantic Treaty Organisation budget, Germany to pay more
- by Virginia Carter
- in World Media
- — Nov 29, 2019
United States defense officials tell CNN that the Trump administration sought to reduce its contribution to about 16%, bringing it in line with Germany's, which provides 14.8% despite the U.S. having a larger economy. However, the German chancellor echoed his calls for improved political cooperation between all members and said military solutions alone will never be enough.
"If some people want to see an example of what they term "cost-sharing", they can come Monday to the ceremony France is organising" for the 13 soldiers killed in a midair helicopter collision while fighting insurgents in Mali, he said.
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation heads of State are scheduled to meet in London on December 3 and 4. Under the new formula, cost shares attributed to most European Allies and Canada will go up, while the U.S. share will come down.
Fresh tensions appeared within the alliance this year, after Trump's surprise decision to withdraw USA troops from northeast Syria, a move that cleared the way for Turkey to attack the Kurdish forces. Washington was previously the biggest contributor, paying about 22 percent.
That extended time frame for Germany to get to 2% may not please USA president Donald Trump, who has been badgering Germany to increase its defence spending since he took office.
He also lamented recent unilateral action in Syria by Turkey, a key member of the alliance. A further $1.4 billion was earmarked for spending on military missions around the world.
Macron's office said the French president will push for more unity and coordination within the alliance, and the need for Europe to take on more security responsibilities.
He said this includes Europe being involved in a new pact limiting mid-range nuclear missiles held by the United States and Russian Federation, after the landmark Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces treaty collapsed in August.
"We considered that, as a basis for discussion, we shouldn't just brush it off", he said, adding that "this is the security of Europe we're talking about".
