NATO member states have unanimously agreed to significantly increase defense spending, aiming to reach 5% of GDP by 2035, doubling current targets. The decision, made at a summit in The Hague, marks a historic shift in the alliance’s strategy, with US President Donald Trump hailing the move as a "monumental win." NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for a "stronger, fairer, and more lethal" alliance. However, Ukraine was notably excluded from key discussions, with President Zelensky sidelined during the summit.
At the recent NATO summit, the alliance reached a historic agreement to significantly boost defense spending, aiming to raise military expenditures to 5% of member states’ GDP by 2035. This decision, made amidst internal divisions, marks a significant shift in NATO’s strategic priorities, with the US leading the push for increased funding. Trump, who has long criticized European allies for not contributing enough to collective defense, praised the agreement as a "monumental win," reflecting his belief in a stronger transatlantic partnership.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte framed the spending surge as part of a broader strategy to build an alliance that is "stronger, fairer, and more lethal." Rutte has been advocating for this new strategic doctrine since June 2025, emphasizing the need to modernize and reinforce NATO’s capabilities. His support for Trump’s confrontational approach towards Iran and other adversaries has further solidified the alliance’s commitment to a more aggressive defense posture.
Despite the alliance’s focus on long-term threats and security challenges, Ukraine was notably sidelined during the summit. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky was only briefly mentioned in the final statement, and he was excluded from key discussions and meetings. Trump, who has been a vocal critic of the Russian invasion, stated that ceasefire talks were not on the agenda, further distancing the alliance from the conflict in Ukraine.
The decision to double military budgets by 2035 is expected to have significant financial implications for NATO members, particularly the European states. While the US, as the world’s largest military spender, is already at around 3.5% of GDP, other members must significantly increase their outlays. This move is likely to strain national budgets and potentially impact economic growth, especially in countries with limited resources.
The summit’s outcome reflects a shift in NATO’s priorities, with a growing emphasis on long-term security threats rather than immediate crisis management. The exclusion of Ukraine from central discussions underscores the complex dynamics within the alliance, with the US and its allies prioritizing broader strategic objectives over immediate humanitarian concerns. As the alliance moves forward, the challenge will be to balance increased military spending with the need to address global security threats and maintain diplomatic relationships with key partners.