US redirects $52 million in military aid from Europe and the Middle East, affecting North Macedonia as well

The administration of US President Donald Trump is redirecting tens of millions of dollars earmarked as military aid for several countries in Europe and the Middle East, transferring the funds to countries in Central and South America.

According to a notification sent to Congress by the US State Department, $52 million in foreign military financing will be reallocated. The money, originally designated for Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq, will instead go to Panama, Peru, Ecuador and Colombia, AP reported.

The move follows a visit by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Colombia, Ecuador and Peru last week. During his trip, Rubio pledged continued US support for these countries.

The reallocation is part of a broader reassessment of security policies by the Trump administration. Washington has cut or transferred some funding and troops from Europe, while Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO allies for not spending enough on defense.

Among the countries affected by the financial restructuring are North Macedonia and Slovakia, both NATO members. However, the measure does not mean that US military funding for Slovakia, North Macedonia, Tunisia and Iraq will be terminated entirely.

The exact amount that these four countries will retain after the reallocation has not yet been made public. Nevertheless, the change signals a new direction for the Trump administration, focused on strengthening security cooperation with Latin American countries.