At its high-level summit in The Hague, NATO members have backed an ambitious plan to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP annually by 2035. The move marks a significant shift in the alliance's budget priorities.
The five-point declaration splits the new target into two buckets: 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for related areas such as critical infrastructure, networks and defense industrial capabilities. A formal review is set for 2029 to assess the strategic environment and adjust capability goals.
U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as "fantastic," crediting Washington for carrying "more than its fair share" of the defense burden. He called the outcome "a monumental win for the United States," while singling out Spain as the only member yet to commit to the full 5% goal.
Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had previously agreed to cap military spending at 2.1% of GDP, warning that a rush to 5% could drive up costs and divert funds from education and digital development.
To reassure allies, Trump also signed off on a leaders' declaration affirming NATO's collective defense principle: an attack on one is an attack on all. The U.S. urged European members to take primary responsibility for their own security, signaling a gradual shift in burden-sharing.
Looking beyond budgets, Secretary General Mark Rutte confirmed that Europeans will shoulder more of the military aid to Ukraine, while the United States remains "very much involved" through intelligence-sharing and practical support, including potential air defense systems.
With the 2035 target in view, NATO's path forward will balance spending commitments, strategic reviews and evolving threats—keeping the alliance at the forefront of global security.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
