NATO allies on Wednesday agreed to more than double their defense spending target — from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035 — in the alliance’s most forceful move in over a decade.
In a joint declaration, the bloc said it stands “united in the face of profound security threats,” pointing to Russia’s long-term danger to Euro-Atlantic stability and the “persistent threat” of terrorism.
“Allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035 to ensure our individual and collective obligations,” it continued.
The 5% target includes “at least” 3.5% of GDP for core defense spending, with the rest directed toward security-related infrastructure to boost civil preparedness, spur innovation, and strengthen the defense industrial base.
NATO said allies must now submit annual plans outlining a “credible, incremental path” to meet the goal, after pushback from some members, notably Spain.
From CNBC:
Addressing the summit, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the agreement would fuel a “quantum leap” in the alliance’s collective defense.
The deal would “not only increase our security but also create jobs,” Rutte continued, saying allies had made “significant commitments to meet significant threats.”
Allies recognised the severity of the threats facing the alliance, he said, and were “united in understanding that we need to step up to stay safe.
He said President Trump had emphasized that America is committed to NATO but expects European allies and Canada to contribute more, “and that is exactly what we see them doing,” Rutte said.
Rutte acknowledged that this was “Day One” of the effort needed to increase the alliance’s defense capabilities and said “we need to innovate and we need to act fast.”
Rutte commended President Trump for pushing NATO to produce “trillions more for our common defense.”
Watch the clip below:
MUST-WATCH: NATO Chair Mark Rutte credits President Trump for triggering trillions in new defense spending.
"For too long, one ally, the United States, carried too much of the burden of that commitment, and that changes today. President Trump, dear Donald, you made this change… pic.twitter.com/NqAzv2oeiI
— Resist the Mainstream (@ResisttheMS) June 25, 2025
