Asger Risom
NATO leaders are set to endorse a sharp rise in defense spending, aiming for 5% of GDP—more than double the current target. The move reflects growing security concerns across Europe and a strategic nod to U.S. President Donald Trump’s persistent demands.
The summit in The Hague was streamlined to avoid friction and highlight consensus, particularly on defense commitments.
Trump’s presence loomed large, but his comments struck a conciliatory note. “We’re with them all the way,” he said, responding to questions about his stance on NATO’s Article 5 mutual defense clause.
Spending target draws mixed reactions
The new goal divides the 5% spending target into 3.5% for traditional military needs, troops, arms, and equipment, and 1.5% for broader security priorities like cybersecurity and critical infrastructure upgrades.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged the strain such spending would place on budgets, but said it was necessary: “There is no alternative,” he stated.
The new benchmark, to be reached within a decade, could add hundreds of billions annually to defense budgets across the alliance.
While all members backed the pledge, Spain argued it need not meet the full 5% to fulfill its obligations, as reported by Reuters.
Rutte and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reached a compromise to prevent discord, though the dispute highlights underlying divisions.
Trump to meet Zelensky separately
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attended a pre-summit dinner but was not included in the main Wednesday session.
However, he is scheduled to meet Trump separately, underlining Ukraine’s strategic importance in NATO discussions.
Not all leaders struck a united front. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban voiced skepticism about NATO’s involvement in Ukraine and dismissed Russia as a real threat.
Meanwhile, the Kremlin condemned the alliance’s increased spending as militaristic and demonizing.
As tensions rise and alliances adjust, NATO’s shift to 5% marks a significant redefinition of collective defense goals, and a clear signal of readiness to confront emerging threats.
