Overview

• The 5% GDP pledge commits allies to reach 3.5% for core defense, 1.5% for security infrastructure by 2035.
• Spain’s government intends to cap its defense budget at 2.1% of GDP, prompting NATO to insist there will be no formal opt-outs.
• President Trump’s demands for increased European defense spending underpin the agreement; he says the United States need not follow suit.
• NATO will conduct a progress review in 2029 to assess member contributions; this could prompt adjustments to the implementation timeline.
• Summit leaders will reaffirm support for Ukraine’s defense in the context of Russia’s aggression; formal discussion of its NATO membership bid will be sidelined.