NATO: The end of the punishment moment? After Donald Trumps anger, Europeans will probe the United States, this Friday in Sweden

The American president has not backed down since the Europeans refused to engage in the war he started with Israel against Iran. On Thursday, he announced the deployment of 5,000 US troops to Poland, citing his good relationship with nationalist president Karol Nawrocki, elected more than a year ago. Just before arriving in Helsingborg, in southwest Sweden, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized countries that “refuse to do anything” to support the US in the Gulf conflict.

The question of maritime security: However, Europeans have not been inactive. “European and Canadian allies have heard the American call to action,” NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said Wednesday. Warships have been pre-positioned near the Strait of Hormuz, blocked by Iran, as part of an international coalition established by London and Paris. NATO could also play a role, although no decision has been made yet. “I’m considering it,” said Supreme Commander of NATO forces in Europe, US General Alexus Grynkewich on Tuesday. Donald Trump keeps urging his European allies to act to reopen this strategic maritime route, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil passes.

Efforts to reassure Washington: Other adjustments are still to come. Washington is expected to announce on Friday a decrease in its contribution to what some at NATO call “the cavalry,” the reinforcements mobilizable in under 180 days in case of conflict. Once again, according to Mark Rutte, nothing to worry about. “It’s something we could have expected and I think it’s very good that it’s happening,” he assured. European allies are hoping for some clarifications on the strategy in place. To better reassure Americans about their commitment to ramping up defense of their continent, they are preparing to announce a series of weapons contracts, including several with the US, according to diplomats in Brussels.

However, nothing should be revealed before this meeting, Mark Rutte demanded, with the hope that these agreements will satisfy Donald Trump, expected with nervousness by Europeans in Ankara in July for the Alliance summit. Europeans also intend to reaffirm their support for Ukraine, which will be another priority for Mark Rutte in Turkey. He proposed that NATO countries, excluding the US, commit to allocating at least 0.25% of their GDP to help Kiev militarily.