NATO's New Spending Horizon: 5% GDP Defense Target Announced at Transformational Summit
NATO is set to approve a significant defense spending increase, with a new target of 5% of GDP, at a summit in The Netherlands. Some countries like Spain and Belgium express difficulty in meeting the new target. Meanwhile, tensions over defense spending persist, mainly from the United States.
At a pivotal summit in The Netherlands, NATO's Secretary-General Mark Rutte anticipates a breakthrough in defense funding as the alliance's leaders, including President Donald Trump, converge. The 32-nation military coalition is expected to agree on a revolutionary increase in defense spending, setting a target of 5% of each member's GDP.
The new target aims to redefine NATO's financial commitments as the United States refocuses its security priorities away from Europe. However, this ambitious goal is not without its detractors. Spain has publicly deemed the 2035 deadline to reach the target as 'unreasonable,' while Belgium and Slovakia have also highlighted financial constraints.
Despite the looming challenges, countries close to Russia's border, such as Poland and the Baltic states, are fully backing the higher expenditure. Meanwhile, influential Western European members, including Britain, France, Germany, and the Netherlands, are aligning with the initiative. Trump's criticism of Spain and Canada as 'low payers' echoes unresolved tensions from a previous summit in 2018.
(With inputs from agencies.)
ALSO READ
Spain Stands Firm on Defense Spending Despite NATO Expectations
Spain's Stance on NATO Defense Spending Amid International Pressure
Spain Resists Pressure for NATO's 5% GDP Defence Spending
Belgium's Ambitious Defense Spending Plan: 3.5% of GDP in a Decade
Spain's NATO Stand: Balancing Defense and Welfare
Google News