Particle.news
Download on the App Store
4 ARTICLES
·
2w ago

NATO Allies Pledge 5% of GDP to Defense by 2035 as EU Seeks Autonomy

Member states must now turn pledged budgets into deployable forces despite tight public finances, a potential U.S. troop pullout, social welfare risks, fragmented defense markets

Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • All 32 NATO members agreed in The Hague to allocate at least 3.5% of GDP to military spending and 1.5% to defense-related investments by 2035.
  • The European Commission rolled out a €150 billion SAFE loan program and is pushing procurement coordination to bolster Europe’s fragmented defense industries.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre emphasized the need to convert spending commitments into real operational capabilities.
  • U.S. Under Secretary of Defense Elbridge Colby's summer review could result in a reduction of American troops stationed in Europe.
  • Experts warn that reaching the 5% target may force cuts to social welfare, healthcare and education budgets across European nations.