While President Donald Trump urges NATO members to increase their contributions to European security, nations bordering Russia are responding more rapidly than major Western European economies, which face mounting expectations to accelerate their commitments. A former rear admiral with two stars held the position. Montgomery pointed to nations including the Baltic states, Poland, Romania and Bulgaria as examples of countries taking assertive measures to bolster deterrence capabilities against Russia.

The evaluation follows NATO members' commitment to a defense spending target established at the 2025 Hague summit, requiring nations to allocate 5% of GDP toward defense and security expenditures by 2035—3.5% designated for core defense needs and 1.5% for infrastructure and security-related investments. A research professor at the Army War College observed that eastern partners are investing more heavily in defence capabilities than their western counterparts due to their proximity to perceived threats, noting that many are purchasing readily available equipment rather than developing domestic alternatives over extended timelines.

Changes in military presence are evident throughout NATO's eastern and northern territories, as officials from Britain and Germany justify the expansion in response to perceived threats from Russia. Romania is boosting defense spending, while Finland and Sweden brought sophisticated military assets to the alliance upon joining, and Poland now ranks among the organization's top contributors in defense expenditure.

At Thursday's Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, Rubio highlighted how both nations have bolstered the partnership through their defense sectors and technological capabilities, describing the collaboration as productive, while Romania's foreign minister later conveyed similar views to Fox News Digital after a U.N. emergency session. Ţoiu stated that increasing defence budgets aligns with the president's position. Romania increased defense expenditure to 2% of GDP under the previous Trump administration and intends to dedicate approximately 3.4% in the coming year toward military equipment and strategic infrastructure, according to Țoiu.

She noted that measures have been introduced to bolster the eastern flank, which has become a growing area of concern requiring enhanced protection. Ţoiu contended that the nation's obligations encompass more than its own security, emphasizing the necessity for enhanced deterrence and defensive capacity to safeguard what she described as the longest frontier adjacent to the conflict—a boundary serving simultaneously as a European perimeter and the edge of allied territory.

In countries nearest the border, location matters as much as political considerations in shaping the sense of immediacy. Ukraine's neighbour Romania has experienced multiple incursions by Russian drones into its territory on several occasions. Among NATO members, Poland has risen to the upper tier of military spending, and the Baltic nations are advancing toward defense budgets that could reach nearly 5% of their economic output. The official noted that deployment pace differs between Europe's eastern and western regions.

According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, the United Kingdom allocates 2.4% of GDP to defence—the highest proportion among the continent's five biggest economies—followed by Germany at 2.3%, Spain at 2.1%, France at 2%, and Italy at 1.9%, even as British expenditure decreased marginally in 2025.

Montgomery noted that Germany possesses the capacity to serve as the foundation for Europe's defense manufacturing sector, with such development benefiting NATO, Western security, and American defense contractors. Chancellor Friedrich Merz has supported increased military expenditure and endorsed NATO's updated financial targets, with the capital potentially serving as a centre for continental defence manufacturing as partners work to decrease reliance on Washington.

Despite increased defence spending, analysts note that Europe continues to rely substantially on military resources from the United States. According to a policy researcher at the Henry Jackson Society, European defence capabilities continue to depend substantially on American military systems and technology. Seener noted that NATO provides the continent with essential strategic airlift, sealift, aerial refueling, cyber infrastructure, space-based resources, and intelligence gathering capabilities on which it relies substantially. He noted that lacking such tools, forces on the continent would find it difficult to track operational developments in a large-scale military engagement.

According to Montgomery, the continent must address three key priorities: enhancing armed forces capacity, restoring defence manufacturing infrastructure, and establishing advanced operational support systems historically furnished by Washington. Montgomery also stated that defending Europe should primarily fall to European forces, with the United States providing supplementary capabilities for maneuver and offensive operations.

Montgomery expressed confidence in NATO's prospects going forward, noting that the goal is to discourage any potential attack by Russia. Montgomery stated that defense expenditure and industrial capacity in Europe are expected to grow, with the alliance experiencing more stable relations across the Atlantic, noting that a future president may engage less confrontationally with European partners. According to the speaker, investment from Europe is expected to increase. He also predicted Rutte would be remembered for helping hold the alliance together through a period of notable change, stating that in five years NATO would be stronger and expressing hope for Ukraine's inclusion.