Donald Trump expects NATO nations to make "real progress" towards increasing the amount they spend on defence in 2017, his vice-president has revealed.

Mike Pence made the comments after a meeting with NATO head Jens Stoltenberg in Brussels and earlier asserting Mr Trump's commitment to working with the EU.

Mr Pence said: "The president of the United States and the American people expect our allies to keep their word and to do more in our common defence... The president expects real progress by the end of 2017."

He also said that he and the president support a free and independent press.

Image: Mike Pence greets Jean-Claude Juncker at the EU Commission headquarters in Brussels

Mr Pence has been in Brussels at the end of a European trip aimed at providing the continent with clarity on the Trump administration's foreign policy and its stance on Russia.


During his campaign, Mr Trump said NATO risked being obsolete amid his concerns member nations were not spending the treaty's goal of 2% of GDP on defence.

It is estimated that just five of the 28 member nations spend the 2% agreed in 2006.

Just arrived in Scotland. Place is going wild over the vote. They took their country back, just like we will take America back. No games! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 24, 2016 They will soon be calling me MR. BREXIT! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 18, 2016

Mr Pence's comments about Mr Trump's "steadfast and enduring" commitment to Europe came despite the president's earlier endorsement of Brexit.

Mr Trump has not only endorsed Britain's decision to leave the EU but suggested that other states might follow.

Following talks with European Council President Donald Tusk, Mr Pence said: "Today is my privilege on behalf of President Trump to express the strong commitment of the United States to continue cooperation and partnership with the European Union.

Image: An anti-Trump protest in Brussels to coincide with Mike Pence's Belgian visit

"Whatever our differences, our two continents share the same heritage, the same values and above all, the same purpose to promote peace and prosperity through freedom, democracy and the rule of law. And to those objectives we will remain committed."

Mr Tusk said Europe counted on the "unequivocal" support of the US, but added: "Too much has happened over the past month in your country and in the EU... for us to pretend that everything is as it used to be."

N.A.T.O. is obsolete and must be changed to additionally focus on terrorism as well as some of the things it is currently focused on! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 24, 2016

The pair met as anti-Trump protesters gathered outside the EU headquarters in the Belgian capital.

Mr Pence also said earlier that Washington would hold Russia accountable in the Ukraine following assurances the US remains steadfast in its support of NATO.

A tentative ceasefire deal between Ukraine and Russian-backed separatists over the weekend comes into effect on Monday.

It is seen as a renewed attempt to enforce the 2014 Minsk protocol which aimed to bring peace to the region following Russia's annexation of Crimea.

Trump: Brexit is a 'wonderful thing'

Natalia Galibarenko, the Ukrainian ambassador to the UK, told Sky's All Out Politics that her country did not feel under more pressure to settle with Russia since the election of Mr Trump.

"Gradually, I see there is strong support within the Ukrainian society for NATO membership, for the EU, and also, decreasing support for the Russian Federation," she said.