NATO Allies Endorse 5% GDP Defense Spending Target by 2035 Amid Russia Threat

At the NATO summit in The Hague, President Donald Trump successfully pushed allies to commit to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, a significant rise from the previous 2% target. This new spending goal includes at least 3.5% dedicated to core defense needs such as personnel and weapons, with up to 1.5% allocated for broader security measures like cyber defense and infrastructure protection. Trump emphasized the necessity of this increase due to the ongoing threat from Russia, and NATO leaders reaffirmed their mutual defense commitment under Article 5. Despite general consensus, Spain, along with Slovakia and Belgium, expressed reservations about meeting the full 5% target, citing domestic challenges and financial strain. French President Emmanuel Macron warned that U.S. trade tariffs could undermine European countries’ ability to fund these military upgrades. Experts and officials credit both Russia's war in Ukraine and Trump's persistent pressure for this historic shift in NATO’s defense posture, highlighting renewed unity and urgency among member states.