The NATO alliance is set to significantly bolster its defense and security capabilities, with member nations collectively agreeing to raise spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. This decision, welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump, marks a notable increase from the previous target of 2% and aims to enhance military readiness and security infrastructure across member states.
President Trump, speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, praised the commitment as a pivotal advance for NATO, highlighting its role in fortifying collective defense efforts. The agreement, formalized during the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, mandates that 3.5% of GDP be allocated to core defense needs, with an additional 1.5% dedicated to defense-related investments and security enhancements.
Alongside defense spending commitments, Trump emphasized the urgent need for resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, citing the substantial human toll of the war. He reaffirmed the United States’ dedication to pursuing diplomatic avenues to address and resolve the conflict.
NATO has reported that European allies and Canada are already increasing their defense expenditures as part of this new commitment. The alliance noted a nearly 20% rise in combined core defense spending in 2025 compared to the previous year, reflecting a concerted effort to meet the newly established targets.
The planned increase in defense spending by 2035 is part of NATO’s broader strategy to strengthen military capabilities and enhance collective security within the alliance. This initiative underscores NATO’s dedication to adapting to evolving global security challenges and ensuring the readiness of its member states to respond effectively.