NATO foreign ministers arrive in Sweden, and much is at stake.

5 points about: NATO meeting in Helsingborg   

Niclas Vent

Published 21.45

Defense investments, Ukraine and Iran are on the agenda – but the meeting is overshadowed by some of Donald Trump's latest moves.

1. What kind of meeting is it?

The 32 NATO countries' foreign ministers have two formal meetings a year. This meeting is a prelude to the upcoming summit, when the heads of state and government gather in Ankara, Turkey, on July 7-8.

2. Why is it being held in Helsingborg?

The government wanted to host it, to signal Sweden's importance. It is unusual for such a new member to receive such a meeting, and Helsingborg has a strategic location at the entrance to the Baltic Sea, according to the government. But more practical aspects – such as the presence of a congress center, a hotel and a castle (Sofiero) to have dinner at – are also said to have played a role.

         

         

        There is high security during the NATO meeting.

        1 / 2Photo: Johan Nilsson / TT

3. What will they talk about?

The US wants Europe to take greater responsibility more quickly. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is said to be pushing. At the same time, the Europeans do not want the US to withdraw troops too quickly. "Orderly forms" is Ulf Kristersson's mantra. Support for Ukraine and the situation in the Iran war are also on the agenda.

4. Why is it important?

The US has unexpectedly withdrawn troops from Germany, and canceled a planned brigade rotation to Poland (which seems to be temporary). Sources say that more is on the way. Europeans are shaken and the wars of words about Greenland and Iran are still open wounds. For Sweden and Europe, it is important to keep the alliance alive.

          

         US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is coming to Helsingborg. Photo: Andrew Medichini /AP

5. Is NATO in trouble?

With Donald Trump as president, NATO is never far from chaos. A new potential crisis that could erupt is that all countries have promised to go towards 5 percent of GDP in defense spending. If it turns out in the spring, or already during the meeting in Helsingborg, that some countries are lagging behind, the US could start to get upset.