NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is urging European allies to increase defense spending, stepping up pressure ahead of the alliance’s summit in The Hague. The call comes as U.S. President Donald Trump again pushes members to shoulder a larger share of the burden.

The debate over military budgets has long divided NATO capitals, with Washington arguing that many European governments have not met their commitments. Rutte’s warning reflects growing concern inside the alliance about readiness, deterrence, and long-term support for collective defense.

The Hague summit is expected to focus on spending targets and the strain of maintaining support for Ukraine while also reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. European leaders face a familiar challenge: convincing voters to accept higher defense bills at a time of economic pressure.

Trump’s renewed demands add political urgency to the discussion, but they also expose deep disagreements over how the alliance should share costs. For NATO leaders, the message is clear — without higher investment, the bloc risks falling short of its security goals.