Rubio presses European allies on defence spending, saying US calls are 'not a hostile thing'
Summary
US Secretary of State Rubio urged Europe to shoulder more of its defence burden during talks in Athens on energy, military cooperation and regional security, pointing to Greece as an example of higher defence spending, Euronews reported. He said a defence spending hike was a sign that 'Europe can awaken from long slumber', highlighting the importance of the transatlantic alliance despite strains on 'the bonds of affection'. On 8 October he said US calls for allies to hike defence spending were 'not a hostile thing' and that members of the Nato military alliance need 'to be as strong as they can possibly be'.
Latest: Rubio said US calls for allies to hike defence spending were 'not a hostile thing' and that Nato members need 'to be as strong as they can possibly be'.
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How it unfolded
Thursday 8 October
Rubio said US calls for allies to hike defence spending were 'not a hostile thing' and that Nato members need 'to be as strong as they can possibly be'.
- 12:01The IndependentUS calls for allies to hike defence spending ‘not a hostile thing’, says Rubio
- 12:01Evening StandardUS calls for allies to hike defence spending ‘not a hostile thing’, says Rubio
Wednesday 7 October
Rubio urged Europe to shoulder more of its defence burden during talks in Athens, and said a defence spending hike was a sign that 'Europe can awaken from long slumber'.