US Presidential Administration Donald Trump will cut its spending on NATO funding, CNN reports.
“All Allies agreed on a new cost-sharing formula. Under the new cost-sharing formula, most European allies and Canada will increase while the US’s share will decrease. This is an important demonstration of the Allies’ commitment to the North Atlantic Alliance and a more equitable burden sharing,” the unnamed said NATO representative.
He clarified that the new formula was agreed this week.
According to military officials, the Trump administration sought to reduce its contribution to NATO by about 16%. Thus, the United States in terms of costs will approach Germany, which spends 14.8%.
US and NATO officials told CNN that other NATO members are expected to make up for the deficit.
It is noted that the United States previously provided about 22% of NATO funding, which covers the costs of maintaining NATO headquarters, joint investments in security and some joint military operations.
One US Department of Defense official told the channel that the money saved would help fund other US military efforts in Europe, including programs in countries such as non-NATO Ukraine and Georgia.
Next week, Trump will travel to London for a NATO summit to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the alliance. Over the years, he has stated that the United States pays for most of NATO’s expenses compared to other members of the alliance.