08.07.2026 13:21
Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever stated that NATO's Article 5 provides for defense if an ally is attacked, but does not require all partners to participate if one country attacks another. De Wever's remarks were interpreted as a clear message to the US.
Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever said, "NATO's Article 5 stipulates that when an ally is attacked, other allies must defend it. However, it does not obligate all partners to join in if one country attacks another. This is also contrary to the spirit of NATO."
"WE HAVE REACHED THE 2 PERCENT TARGET"
On the second day of the NATO 36th Summit of Heads of State and Government, leaders are meeting in Ankara. Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever answered reporters' questions before the summit.
Stating that three main topics—defense spending, strengthening the defense industrial base, and support for Ukraine—will be discussed in their meeting with US President Donald Trump, Prime Minister de Wever noted that Belgium, which lagged behind in defense spending for many years, has now reached NATO's 2 percent target.
CLEAR MESSAGE TO THE US ON ATTACKS ON IRAN
De Wever, who stated that they continue to strengthen the defense industrial base, expressed that although this process is not progressing at the desired pace, it is continuing with determination. Emphasizing that military support for Ukraine will continue, de Wever said this sends a strong message to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
De Wever noted that attacks on Iran could also come up at the summit, but there is no common view among NATO countries on this issue. De Wever stated, "This is not a NATO issue. NATO's Article 5 stipulates that when an ally is attacked, other allies defend it. However, it does not require all partners to join if one country attacks another. This is also contrary to the spirit of NATO." This was interpreted as referring to US President Donald Trump, who started a war against Iran in February and has been constantly seeking help from NATO.
"EUROPE MUST ACT CAUTIOUSLY"
De Wever, who stated that developments in the Middle East directly affect the global economy, said that Europe must act cautiously, especially regarding energy supply security. Expressing that Belgium has significant military capabilities in the field of maritime security, de Wever stated that these capabilities could be used if an international coalition is formed and the government decides to do so. Drawing attention to the navy's capacity in mine countermeasures and maritime security, de Wever noted that the final decision on this matter will be made by the Belgian government. De Wever added that Belgium's priorities at the NATO Summit are increasing defense spending, strengthening the defense industry, and continuing support for Ukraine.