Marco Rubio says "Europe can awaken from its long slumber" about rising NATO defense spending

Speaking in Greece, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio cited NATO members’ growing military budgets as evidence that Europe may be shifting course. He pointed to a commitment made last year by the U.K. and other allies to devote five percent of their economies to defense by 2035, amid concerns about Russia and China and President Donald Trump’s push for allies to contribute more to their own security. Rubio also said tensions had tested U.S.-European ties but should not rupture them, emphasizing the importance of a strong alliance. The remarks came as the British government faced pressure to explain how it would meet the target, with reports of a possible delay in announcing a key funding milestone.