In victory for Trump, NATO allies agree to massive increases in defense spending
The new defense spending strategy includes a minimum of 3.5% for core defense and an additional 1.5% for infrastructure and civil preparedness initiatives.
By: Justin Boggs
Posted 7:52 AM, Jun 25, 2025
and last updated 7:54 AM, Jun 25, 2025
As the North Atlantic Treaty Organization held meetings on Wednesday, leaders from the bloc of Western nations agreed to spend 5% of their gross domestic product on defense, NATO announced.
According to a NATO statement, nations will commit to spending at least 3.5% on core defense requirements. These nations will allocate an additional 1.5% of their GDP to protect infrastructure, networks, and civil preparedness. Nations will be expected to submit annual plans on defense spending.
Nations have until 2035 to reach the 5% target.
Previously, NATO leaders agreed to commit 2% of their national GDP to defense spending. However, according to U.S. government data, some nations did not meet that benchmark. For instance, Spain spent an estimated 1.3% of its GDP on defense in 2024, while Canada spent 1.4% and Italy spent 1.5%.
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https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/military/in-victory-for-trump-nato-allies-agree-to-massive-increases-in-defense-spending
