WASHINGTON, DC— NATO leaders have agreed to increase military and security spending, committing to invest 5 per cent of GDP annually by 2035 to strengthen the alliance’s core defense capabilities and resilience. The move marks one of the most ambitious funding pledges in NATO’s history and reflects a shift toward the kind of burden-sharing that former U.S. President Donald Trump had long demanded from allies.

In a declaration issued at the conclusion of the June 24 summit in The Hague, the heads of state and government reaffirmed their “ironclad commitment” to collective defense and underscored the need to respond to long-term threats, particularly from Russia, and the ongoing danger of terrorism. The 32-member alliance committed to invest the increased spending toward ensuring NATO’s ability to deter, defend, and respond to crises.

The five per cent figure includes two components. By 2035, at least 3.5 per cent of GDP will be spent on core defense requirements, including meeting NATO Capability Targets. An additional 1.5 per cent may be used to strengthen civil preparedness, critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and industrial capacity. Members will submit annual plans outlining credible, incremental progress toward these goals. The balance and trajectory of spending will be reviewed in 2029 based on the evolving strategic landscape.

This significant boost in defense funding is a striking turn for the alliance, which has faced years of criticism from Washington—especially during the Trump administration—for failing to meet prior spending commitments. Trump frequently chastised NATO countries for not spending enough on defense and demanded that they contribute more to the alliance. The new target appears to be a direct response to that pressure, signaling a shift in political will among European allies.

NATO leaders also approved new multinational projects, including joint acquisition, storage, transportation, and management of defense-critical raw materials, with Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom participating. These projects aim to build resilience, reduce dependency on external suppliers, and strengthen supply chains.

The declaration stated that ongoing support to Ukraine remains a key priority, and that direct contributions to Ukraine’s defense and its defense industry will be counted toward members’ spending commitments. The alliance further committed to eliminating internal defense trade barriers and expanding transatlantic industrial cooperation. (with IANS inputs)

@India-West News Desk