This week, we welcome Marcos Perestrello, the President of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. He is encouraging European investment in defense and believes that maintaining good transatlantic relations is possible.
Facing multiple conflicts worldwide, Marcos Perestrello explains that NATO is currently dealing with the “most dangerous and unpredictable security environment since generations.” He emphasizes the need for allies, especially in Europe and Canada, to increase their defense investments due to strong and long-standing pressures.
He acknowledges that the pressure has intensified under the presidency of Donald Trump, leading to a shared goal of creating a stronger NATO militarily and having a Europe of European allies capable of supporting defense, at least conventionally.
Expressing concern over the announcement of the U.S. withdrawing troops, particularly from Germany, he hopes this disengagement does not become a reality as it would require significant investments and time for Europe to achieve defense autonomy.
In response to American pressure, European leaders have agreed to increase their military spending up to 5% of their GDP by 2035. While military expenditures decreased in the U.S. in 2025, they increased by 14% in Europe, reaching 735 billion euros, demonstrating European commitment to defense investments.
Amid conflicts in the Middle East and American-Israeli strikes in Iran, the U.S. criticized the lack of European support, which Marcos Perestrello refutes by highlighting European assistance and availability for operations in the Strait of Hormuz.
In conclusion, he stresses the importance of stabilizing the situation and appreciates the availability of European countries for operations, despite uncertainties about future developments.
