Historic NATO Summit to Boost Defense Spending Target Amid Global Tensions

Wed Oct 22 2025 16:17:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

NATO leaders gather in The Hague to discuss significant increases in defense spending, aiming for 5% of national GDP in light of ongoing international pressures.

At a pivotal summit in The Hague, NATO allies are poised to approve a historic increase in defense spending, driven largely by U.S. President Donald Trump’s insistence on equitable financial contributions among member nations.

NATO leaders convened in The Hague on Wednesday to deliberate a considerable escalation in defense spending, with plans to tie expenditures to 5% of their respective GDPs—a proposal strongly advocated by U.S. President Donald Trump. This summit has garnered attention as a turning point, with Secretary General Mark Rutte commenting on the burdens traditionally carried by the United States. “For too long, one ally, the United States, carried too much of the burden,” Rutte stated, emphasizing that it was time for a change.

Describing the summit as historic, Rutte indicated that the discussions would also underscore ongoing support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. While most countries have signaled their agreement to the new financial target, Spain stands out as the only nation to reject the goal of reaching 3.5% for defense by 2035 and an additional 1.5% for related projects, with Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo referring to the debate over percentages as "misguided".

Belgian Prime Minister Bart de Wever has cautiously noted that while the target is ambitious, achieving 3.5% within a decade is "realistic." The summit is succinct, anticipated to last just two and a half hours, following a welcoming dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima.

Amid rising tensions, Rutte described the current geopolitical climate as "dangerous", reiterating NATO's collective defense principle—“an attack on one is an attack on all.” As world leaders posed for their traditional photo, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez was notably isolated at the edge of the group, underscoring the rifts that persist within the alliance.

Trump’s visit marks his return to NATO meetings since 2019. While addressing reporters, he exhibited more focus on the Middle East than on Ukraine’s plight, choosing to disclose past discussions with Russia regarding Iran rather than committing to further assistance for Kyiv. This revelation raised eyebrows, especially regarding the integrity of NATO’s mutual defense agreement, known as Article Five, a point Trump seemed to question.

To assuage concerns regarding Trump’s remarks on Article Five, Rutte urged European allies to prioritize defense investments and support for Ukraine rather than fixating on U.S. commitments. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer reaffirmed NATO's critical role in an increasingly unstable world, highlighting the importance of unity and strength among member states as they navigate these challenges.

As the summit unfolds, questions remain about the efficacy of the proposed defense spending increases and the unity of the NATO alliance amidst its diverse membership.