Stoltenberg on NATO's Founding Anniversary: America and Europe "Stronger" Together

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg announced today during a celebration marking the 75th anniversary of the alliance that the United States and Europe are "stronger" together within NATO. Speaking against the backdrop of growing concerns in Europe about U.S. commitment to NATO, Stoltenberg stated, "I believe in America and Europe together in NATO, because we are stronger and safer together." NATO commemorates its 75th anniversary today at a time when the Western alliance faces urgent needs to do more to succeed in the Ukraine war, according to AFP. While NATO members have supported Ukraine's aspirations to join by supplying it with tens of billions of dollars in weapons since the onset of the Russian military operation in Ukraine two years ago, these supplies have now diminished amid political disputes in the United States, the dominant power in NATO. The alliance is also seeking to safeguard the support allocated for Ukraine in anticipation of a potential return of Donald Trump to the White House after the November elections. The former U.S. president has raised concerns among U.S. allies by criticizing support for Kyiv while igniting political turmoil by announcing he would "encourage" Russia to attack alliance countries that do not spend enough on defense.