Germany’s Merz defends NATO spending after Trump calls it ‘ridiculous’

NATO Leaders Face Off Over Defense Spending Ahead of Crucial Summit As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) prepares to meet in Ankara next week, tensions are running high as leaders from member countries clash over defense spending. The summit, which brings together representatives from 30 nations, promises to be a pivotal moment in the alliance's history, with many member states facing pressure to meet the agreed-upon 2% GDP target for military spending. The United States, in particular, has been vocal about the need for other countries to increase their contributions, while some European nations have pushed back, arguing that the target is unrealistic and unfair. The outcome of these negotiations will have significant implications for the alliance's future and its ability to address emerging security threats.

Back and forth over defence spending comes as NATO leaders set to meet in Ankara next week.