NATO Seeks Defense Spending Increase to 5% GDP Amid Rising Tensions

At a NATO summit in The Hague, member nations agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, a significant rise from the previous 2% target, heavily advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump. This new commitment requires 3.5% of GDP to be allocated to core military needs with an additional 1.5% for broader security investments, including cybersecurity and infrastructure enhancements. While most members, including Poland and Italy, have committed to meeting these targets by 2035, some countries like Spain have been reluctant to fully endorse the 5% goal. Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni confirmed Italy's commitment to gradually meet the target while balancing EU budget rules to avoid financial market instability and EU sanctions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the spending increase as an ambitious and historic step essential for future security, amid concerns over Russia’s military actions in Ukraine. The summit also focused on maintaining alliance unity despite uncertainties following President Trump's return to power and his demands for fairer burden-sharing within NATO.