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NATO watches with bated breath as Trump gets set for second term — newspaper

The newspaper reported, citing sources in the organization, that at the next NATO summit next summer, the US president-elect will pressure European allies to increase defense spending to 2.5% or 3% of GDP

MADRID, November 11. /TASS/. As Donald Trump gets set to take office for a second time, NATO is holding its breath about what awaits, Spain’s El Pais reported.

According to the newspaper, many are alarmed by Trump's criticism of the alliance. The uncertainty surrounding the future deployment of US forces in Europe, US membership in NATO and relations between Washington and Moscow, has the alliance on edge, El Pais said.

According to its information, the implications of Trump's second term for Europe's defense and security are getting special attention inside the EU, where a working group has been analyzing possible scenarios for months. NATO itself is waiting for Trump to announce the team around him so it can put out feelers even before the inauguration in January 2025. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte wants to convince Trump that Russia's relations with China, Iran and North Korea allegedly pose a danger to Washington.

The newspaper also reported, citing sources in the organization, that at the next NATO summit next summer, the US president-elect will pressure European allies to increase defense spending to 2.5% or 3% of GDP. The future of Ukraine is also at stake, the newspaper added.

Trump defeated Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris in the November 5 election. In addition, the Republicans managed to take control of the Senate. They may also win a majority in the House of Representatives. Trump's inauguration will take place on January 20, 2025.

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