Rutte Demands Binding Defense Plans From NATO Allies

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pressed allies at the July 7 Ankara summit to submit specific timetables for reaching the 5% defense-spending target promised last year. The demand reflects doubt that political pledges translate into actual budgets. Trump's administration has publicly pressured allies on spending gaps. Ankara's response—concrete plans or merely restated intentions—will reveal whether NATO can move from commitments to implementation by 2027.