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NATO Chief Calls for Increased Defense Spending as U.S. Signals Strategic Shift

Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasizes the need for greater member contributions to safeguard freedom, with new spending targets expected at an upcoming summit.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, center, meets with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, at the Pentagon, Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, meets with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the Pentagon, Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, center left, shares a laugh with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, center right, before the start of a meeting, Thursday, April 24, 2025 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte attends a meeting with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth (not pictured) at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., U.S., April 24, 2025. REUTERS/Nathan Howard

Overview

  • NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has urged member nations to allocate more resources and political commitment to the alliance, warning that freedom and prosperity depend on it.
  • Rutte’s annual report, published without the usual publicity, revealed that 22 of 32 members met the 2% GDP defense-spending guideline in 2024, with total NATO military spending reaching $1.3 trillion.
  • The United States spent 3.19% of GDP on defense in 2024, down from 3.68% a decade ago, as it signals a strategic focus on Asia and domestic security.
  • The Netherlands will host a NATO summit where leaders are expected to set new defense spending targets, potentially exceeding 3% of GDP, reflecting heightened security concerns.
  • Support for Ukraine remains strong within NATO, though doubts persist regarding U.S. commitment under the Trump administration, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stating Ukraine will not regain all territory or join the alliance.