Rubio Presses Europe to Hit 5% Defense Spending in Greece as He Expands Security Cooperation
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 7
Rubio Presses Europe to Hit 5% Defense Spending in Greece as He Expands Security Cooperation
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 7
Summary
Athens became Rubio’s platform to press European allies to shoulder more of their own defense, with the secretary of state citing Trump’s demand that NATO members spend 5% of GDP.
Greece drew public praise because Rubio said it is on track to reach that 5% benchmark, setting it apart as U.S. officials weigh penalties for allies that fall short.
Rubio also stressed deeper U.S.-Greek security work on migration and terrorism during talks with Foreign Minister George Gerapetritis.
Greece already hosts sites used by the U.S. military and other NATO forces, making the visit part of a broader push to tighten burden-sharing and frontline cooperation in Europe.