The United States has urged Europe to increase its defense investment, according to Minister of State and Foreign Affairs Paulo Rangel, who stated that the request is entirely justified. Rangel made this assertion during the closing address of the ‘Europe and Transatlantic Relations’ conference, organized in Lisbon by the television channel Now.
The minister expressed that all European NATO member states understand this necessity and acknowledge the fairness of the U.S. administration’s message.
“I hope we achieve a positive outcome,” he remarked, looking ahead to the upcoming NATO summit set to take place in The Hague on June 24 and 25.
This meeting occurs amid persistent calls from the Trump administration for defense spending increases to 5% of each member state’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The Portuguese government has pledged to meet the current 2% target this year. However, the Foreign Minister assured that Portugal would comply with the 5% objective, as determined by NATO, following the framework proposed by Secretary-General Mark Rutte—3.5% for effective military expenditure and 1.5% for civilian infrastructure potentially usable for military purposes.
Rangel emphasized the importance of reinforcing the bond between Europe and the United States in his speech.
“We need to demonstrate strength and unity in our transatlantic alliance and deter those who threaten global prosperity, stability, and peace,” he asserted.
The minister acknowledged that a close relationship could have moments of frustration, emphasizing the need to “seek common ground and strengthen trust” when those occur.
“Europe and America have long collaborated to create a more peaceful and interconnected world. We must remain committed to dialogue, viewing the Atlantic not as a barrier but as a linkage between our continents,” he noted.
Addressing current global conflicts, Rangel praised U.S. efforts to resolve the Iranian nuclear crisis.
Regarding the Ukraine war, triggered by Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the minister identified “rising threats to transatlantic relations” and stressed that Europe and the U.S. must “once again join forces.”
Rangel also commented on Donald Trump’s intention to impose tariffs on the European Union, warning that “transatlantic trade, in terms of goods, is declining,” which he described as concerning.
“Tariffs are neither the solution nor will they ever be, regardless of our views on trade balance,” he maintained.
“Reaching an agreement soon would be highly beneficial; otherwise, there will be consequences for both sides,” he warned.
