NATO

The Philippines is seeking to expand defense cooperation with NATO and European partners, the Department of National Defense said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. raised the proposal in a meeting with Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone, NATO chair, on the sidelines of the 2026 Paris Defence and Strategy Forum on Tuesday, March 24.

March 21, 2026 Reported by AI

Some 4,000 people, according to the Government Delegation, joined a demonstration in Madrid on Saturday called by the Asamblea Internacionalista de Madrid against war. Protesters marched from Atocha to Puerta del Sol carrying banners reading 'No to war' and 'Peace'. Podemos MEP Irene Montero called for Spain to leave NATO and remove US troops from Spanish bases.

Thomas Röwekamp (CDU), chair of the Bundestag Defense Committee, proposes compelling Bundeswehr soldiers to serve in Lithuania if insufficient volunteers come forward. A 'Spiegel' report highlights a personnel shortage, while the Defense Ministry describes the buildup as on track. The brigade aims to bolster NATO's eastern flank.

February 11, 2026 Reported by AI

NATO is launching operation Arctic Sentry to increase its engagement in the Arctic. Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) states that Sweden is ready to contribute its capabilities. The operation initially focuses on coordinating existing exercises and surveillance in the region.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has reaffirmed that Europeans can and must take charge of their own security. He is responding to statements by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, who emphasized Europe's dependence on the United States. These exchanges highlight ongoing debates on European strategic autonomy.

January 25, 2026 Reported by AI

In the ARD show 'Caren Miosga', German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius condemned US President Donald Trump's claims about NATO troops in Afghanistan as 'indecent and disrespectful'. He calls for an apology but does not expect one. He also stressed that Europe can no longer fully rely on the US.