Some NATO countries, especially those bordering Russia, agree on the necessity of a 5% increase. But others, such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have expressed doubts about the goal and the timeline for its implementation, writes Bloomberg.
At the NATO summit taking place in The Hague from June 24 to 26, Alliance leaders will designate Russia as a “long-term threat.” This information was confirmed by a diplomat from one of NATO’s key member countries.
“Russia is a threat, and this will be clearly reflected in the summit document. There is also another threat that the Alliance identified in its strategic concept in Madrid – terrorism.”
The diplomat noted that the communiqué will likely mention both threats. Additionally, significant attention at the summit will be given to the issue of increasing the defense spending target.
“It is clear that we are agreeing on 5% defense spending because the Alliance is under threat due to Russia’s aggressive behavior.”
The interlocutor also expressed “absolute confidence” that Ukraine will be mentioned in the final version of the communiqué.
“Otherwise, there will be no consensus, as this is important for the vast majority of Alliance members.”
He added that the invitation of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the summit was approved by Secretary General Mark Rutte after consultations with all Alliance members.
Increasing Defense Spending in NATO
In January 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump called on NATO member countries to raise defense spending to 5% of their GDP. He emphasized that most countries had not even met the previous agreement of 2%, which resulted in the U.S. covering the difference, which he called “unfair.”
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated in Brussels on June 5 that NATO countries must increase defense spending to 5% of GDP before the summit scheduled for June 24–25 in The Hague.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte noted at the G7 summit in Canada that all NATO member countries will reach the Alliance’s 2% GDP defense spending target by the end of 2025.
Some NATO countries, especially those bordering Russia, support the need to raise the target to 5%. However, others, such as Spain, Italy, and Portugal, have expressed doubts about this goal and its timeline.
Related news for you:
- NATO plans a concise summit focusing on Ukraine, aiming to include President Zelensky without upsetting former US President Trump. The event will be held in The Hague on June 24-25, with diplomatic efforts to balance support for Ukraine and alliance unity.
- Ukrainian President Zelensky highlights Russia’s threat to Odesa and calls for long-term security guarantees after the war during the Ukraine-Southeast Europe summit.
- Sweden supports NATO’s initiative to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2030, focusing on traditional and related defense investments, and pledges €50 million to support Ukraine.
