In a move aimed at enhancing collective security, NATO partners voted in favor of elevating their military expenditure to 5% of national income by 2035 during a summit in The Hague. This decision marks a shift from the previous 2% target, as NATO members face the growing threat from Russia.
NATO Increases Military Spending to Satisfy Trump’s Demands
NATO Increases Military Spending to Satisfy Trump’s Demands
NATO leaders have agreed to significant military budget increases, responding to Trump’s long-standing requests for European allies to bolster their defense efforts.
On June 25, 2025, NATO held a summit garnering unanimous approval from its European allies, who committed to increasing military spending to confront the rising threats posed by Russia. This new agreement sees member nations aiming to dedicate 5% of their GDP towards defense by 2035—a significant rise from the longstanding aim of 2%. This funding will be split between traditional military requirements and additional projects to enhance broader security infrastructure.
The summit seemingly achieved one of President Trump’s major goals, who has long criticized NATO allies for underfunding their defense while relying heavily on American military support. Following the successful negotiations, Trump expressed satisfaction, highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement in European defense. Historically, Trump has questioned the viability of NATO, suggesting a potential withdrawal, which has raised concerns among allies.
Moreover, the summit's statement reaffirmed commitments to collective defense as enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty—a pledge Trump has often hesitated to affirm publicly, despite his private assurances. This consensus marks a pivotal moment in NATO's evolution, as member states recognize the necessity of collaborative defense efforts in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
The summit seemingly achieved one of President Trump’s major goals, who has long criticized NATO allies for underfunding their defense while relying heavily on American military support. Following the successful negotiations, Trump expressed satisfaction, highlighting the importance of U.S. involvement in European defense. Historically, Trump has questioned the viability of NATO, suggesting a potential withdrawal, which has raised concerns among allies.
Moreover, the summit's statement reaffirmed commitments to collective defense as enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO treaty—a pledge Trump has often hesitated to affirm publicly, despite his private assurances. This consensus marks a pivotal moment in NATO's evolution, as member states recognize the necessity of collaborative defense efforts in an increasingly challenging global landscape.
