Overview

• Defense ministers in Brussels outlined a plan for member states to dedicate 5% of GDP to defense, splitting the total between core military budgets and security-related investments.
• Britain agreed to boost its defense spending to 3.5% of GDP following pressure from alliance leadership and US officials.
• The US pledged to raise its own defense outlays to 5% of GDP while its NATO ambassador insisted that the target be treated as a binding commitment.
• Some members such as Spain and Canada have flagged economic strain in meeting the new threshold given current fiscal challenges.
• Final sign-off is expected at the Hague summit later this month, with allies set to negotiate timelines and accountability measures.