US President Donald Trump is in Brussels for what his team describes as tough talks with other members of the NATO military alliance. The NATO summit begins today afternoon in Brussels. Mr Trump is also due to meet European Union officials today.
He has been critical of both NATO and the EU. After landing in Brussels, Mr Trump met the Belgian king and queen as thousands demonstrated in Brussels city centre against his presence .
Earlier, he was granted a short private audience with the Pope at the Vatican. Mr Trump has voiced criticism of other NATO countries for spending less on defence, than an agreed 2 per cent of national output.
Ahead of today’s meetings, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told reporters that Mr Trump really wants to persuade NATO members to step up and fully meet their obligations.