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NATO Members Commit to 5% of GDP on Defense by 2035

With 3.5% of GDP set for direct military budgets, 1.5% allocated to security initiatives under a 2029 review, the pledge provokes doubts in countries such as Spain.

President Donald Trump arrives at Dutch royal palace during NATO summit
Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov speaks during a joint press conference with Laos's Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane following their meeting in Moscow, Russia June 26, 2025. Alexander Zemlianichenko/Pool via REUTERS
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Overview

  • At the June 2025 summit in The Hague, NATO’s 32 members formally committed to raise collective defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, up from the longstanding 2% benchmark.
  • The pledge requires allocating a minimum of 3.5% of GDP to core military outlays and 1.5% for security-related costs, with a comprehensive review scheduled for 2029.
  • Sitting President Donald Trump hailed the decision as a major victory after years of demanding that allies increase their military contributions.
  • Spain has openly doubted its ability to meet the 5% target, reflecting broader concerns that the surge could divert funding from social and environmental programs.
  • US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated the new benchmark may apply worldwide, raising expectations that partners like South Korea and Japan will face similar pressure.