French President Emmanuel Macron has stood by his claim that Nato is in the middle of a “brain death”, in comments that threatened to open up a rift in the alliance.
Mr Marcron made the remarks, which he described as a “wake-up call,” before talks with Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg and a high-stakes summit for the alliance next week in London.
Mr Macron recently said there was no strategic decision-making between the US and its Nato allies, and claimed the Trump administration was showing signs of “turning its back on us”.
He also said that “unco-ordinated, aggressive action” by Nato member Turkey into north-east Syria, to oust local groups with whom the West allied to fight against ISIS, was evidence that the alliance was not functioning properly.
"I totally stand by raising these ambiguities because I believe it was irresponsible of us to keep talking about financial and technical matters, given the stakes we currently face,” Mr Macron said.
"A wake-up call was necessary. I'm glad it was delivered and I'm glad everyone now thinks we should rather think about our strategic goals.".
Mr Macron's “brain death” comments were rejected by Nato and Germany and the US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, insisted that the alliance remained relevant.
US President Donald Trump has accused European Nato powers of failing to spend enough on defence – a topic he is likely to raise next week in London.
Mr Stoltenberg played down any concerns, saying multinational institutions such as Nato were needed in uncertain times.
“The paradox is that while questions are being asked about the strength of the trans-Atlantic bond, North America and Europe are doing more together than they have done for decades,” he said.
Dr Lindsay Newman from Chatham House said rising Russian and Chinese influence and Turkey’s incursion into north-east Syria would probably top the Nato agenda in London.
"The questions I have asked are open questions that we haven't solved yet," Mr Macron said.
"Peace in Europe, the post-INF [Intermediate-range Nuclear Forces Treaty] situation, the relationship with Russia, the Turkey issue ... who's the enemy?
“So I say, as long as these questions are not resolved, let's not negotiate about cost-sharing and burden-sharing, or this or the other.”
Mr Macron said the summit must hold “real dialogue” and decisions, not just words.
He said there needed to be a greater focus on “our common enemy”, extremist groups.
Next week Mr Macron is expected urge greater involvement from Nato in the French-led fight against terrorists in Africa’s Sahel region.
This week, 13 French troops were killed pursuing ISIS-linked fighters in northern Mali.
"I want a discussion between allies on a concrete commitment to the fight against terrorism in the Sahel and the Middle East," Mr Macron said.
He said that Nato support would be “wholly beneficial”.
The intervention in the Sahel, known as Operation Barkhana, will be reviewed after the deaths of the French soldiers, Mr Macron said.
While some support has been given by the UK and US towards the effort, which involves 4,500 French personnel, he said he wanted greater support.
"In the Sahel, France is involved and acting on behalf of everyone," Mr Macron said.
"If some people want to see an example of what they term 'cost-sharing,' they can come on Monday to the ceremony France is organising" for the 13 soldiers killed.
