Canada currently spends about 1.37 per cent of its annual economic output on defence and has pledged to reach 2 per cent by 2030. No NATO ally has so far committed to increasing 5 per cent, although Mr. Rubio said Thursday the United States plans to do so.

BRUSSELS (TNND) — Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Brussels on Thursday with newly confirmed U.S. ambassador to NATO Matt Whitaker as they seek to reassure allies the U.S. is committed to NATO and demand European allies spend more on defense.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told NATO allies on Thursday that Washington remained committed to the alliance but expected them to spend far more on defence and would give them some time to do so.