The Balkan country of Montenegro is on the verge of becoming NATO’s newest member after U.S. senators voted overwhelmingly to approve its accession to the security alliance on Tuesday, March 28.
The U.S. vote was 97-2 in favor of the ratification of the former Yugoslav republic’s membership to the alliance. Only 60 votes were needed.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization alliance was established in 1949 by the United States, Canada, and 10 Western European nations to defend against the former Soviet Union.
Proponents of the accession said it was important to support the countries of Eastern Europe that share democratic values against Russian aggression, and to reinforce their ties to the West.
The Balkan state of Montenegro will need all member states to ratify its bid before it can become a full-fledged member of the NATO alliance.
Trump continues his push to restructure NATO funding arrangements, calling for all members to “pay their fair share” of 2 percent GDP.
Europe’s low expenditure has long been a sore point for the United States.