Under intense pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, the leaders of North Atlantic Treaty Organization, NATO, on Wednesday, June 25, agreed to a major new defence goal.
According to reports from the recent summit held in The Hague, alliance leaders committed to spending 5% of GDP on defence by 2035. This marks a historic shift from the previous 2% target.
The new pledge reflects growing concerns over global security.
In particular, Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has pushed many members to reconsider their military budgets.
Trump praised the outcome, stating: “I stand with Article 5. That’s why I’m here.”
The statement was a direct response to criticism that Trump may abandon the alliance’s core principle of mutual defence.
What the 5% Defence Target Includes
The defence spending plan breaks down into two parts:
- 3.5% of GDP will go to traditional military costs. These include troops, weapons, logistics, and operations.
- 1.5% of GDP will fund broader security. That includes cyberdefence, energy protection, and infrastructure upgrades.
The spending will roll out gradually, with a full target date set for 2035.
Macron Challenges Trump Over Tariffs
Although the leaders agreed publicly, internal tensions remain.
French President Emmanuel Macron pushed back on Trump’s economic approach.
He warned that U.S. tariffs could undermine Europe’s ability to meet defence targets.
“You cannot ask us to spend more on NATO and then start a trade war. It’s an aberration,” Macron said.
Spain also voiced objections. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Spain would not meet the full 5% mark, but could still fulfill NATO’s defence obligations through more efficient spending.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte accepted this, calling it a “diplomatic compromise” to keep the summit unifies.
Zelenskiy Attends Dinner, Meets Trump Privately
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy was invited only to the summit dinner.
He did not attend the main session, sparking quiet criticism.
Still, Trump met with Zelenskiy privately after the summit closed.
The meeting showed ongoing U.S. interest in Ukraine’s war efforts, despite NATO’s focus shifting to spending.
Rutte defended the structure of the summit, calling it “short, focused, and Trump-friendly.”
“Given the Russian threat, there’s no other option,” he said.
Kremlin Slams NATO Spending Surge
In a sharp response, the Kremlin accused NATO of fueling militarism.
Moscow claimed the alliance was using Russia as a scapegoat to justify spending increases.
Russia’s foreign ministry said NATO was turning the region into a “fortress of fear” and warned of “unpredictable consequences.
What This Means for NATO’s Future
The move to NATO 5% defence spending is a radical change.
It will require billions in new commitments from each member state.
Though Trump walked away with a clear diplomatic win, tensions remain.
Macron’s warnings about economic pressure could grow into deeper divisions over time.
With the U.S. elections approaching, NATO’s unity — and future — may be tested again soon.