Archive · 25 Jun 2025
NATO to Endorse New Defense Spending Target
NATO countries are being asked to spend more on their military.
They agreed to spend 5% of their country's money (GDP) on defense by 2035.
This 5% is divided into 3.5% for things like soldiers and weapons, and 1.5% for other security like protecting roads and cyber-security.
This is a big change from the old goal.
Some countries, like Spain, are not sure they need to spend that much to be safe.
NATO leaders are expected to endorse a new defense spending target at an alliance summit.
The new target is for members to spend 5% of their GDP on core defense and security-related investments.
The 5% target comprises 3.5% on core defense and 1.5% on broader security initiatives.
The target is a significant increase over the current goal of 2% of GDP, set in 2014.
Spain has stated it can meet military targets without reaching the 5% spending goal.
- Who
- NATO members
- What
- NATO leaders are expected to endorse a new 5% GDP defense spending target.
- When
- By 2035
- Where
- The Hague (NATO Summit)
- Why
- To address European security concerns and potentially U.S. pressure.
Spending Commitments
NATO Members vs Spain
Spending Targets
Spending Commitments
Countries should strive to meet the 5% GDP spending target.
NATO Members vs Spain
Spain can meet its military targets without spending the full 5% of GDP.
- Spending Target
- 5% of GDP
- Spending Breakdown
- 3.5% core defense, 1.5% broader security
- Target Year
- 2035
- Current Goal
- 2% of GDP
- Meeting Location
- The Hague
Sources
Factbox-How will Germany pay for rapid rise in defence spending?
Keir Starmer commits to UK’s largest defence spending hike since World War II, aiming for 5% of GDP by 2035
Zelenskiy urges NATO before Hague summit to support Ukraine defence industry
Donald Trump to push NATO allies to spend more on defense—But exempt US from 5% target
Iran conflict overshadows NATO summit, landmark 5% defense deal and Ukraine sidelined
Zelensky warns Putin could attack a NATO member within five years to test alliance
No alternative to higher defence spending amid Russian threat, NATO’s Rutte says
Spain does not expect repercussions from not meeting NATO’s 5% spending target
NATO leaders to back Trump defence spending goal at Hague summit
Greek PM says all NATO members should commit to defence spending target
Making NATO Great Again Demands More Than Money
After Donald Trump’s pressure and fears of Russian aggression, NATO backs 5% GDP defence spending goal by 2035