NATO leaders endorse 5 percent GDP defense spending goal by 2035

BRUSSELS, June 25 (KUNA) -- Leaders of NATO member states on Wednesday officially committed to increasing defense spending to five percent of GDP for each member state by the year 2035, concluding their summit held in The Hague, the Netherlands.
In the "Hague Summit Declaration" issued following the North Atlantic Council meeting, NATO leaders described the agreement as a historic step aimed at "enhancing the Alliance's defense readiness to confront increasing challenges, particularly the long-term threats posed by Russia and the ongoing threat of terrorism." "We reaffirm our steadfast commitment to collective defense, as stipulated in Article Five of the Washington Treaty, which states that an attack against one Ally is considered an attack against all," the declaration stated. "We remain united and determined to protect our citizens and defend the values of freedom and democracy." The declaration clarified that the five percent commitment will be divided into two main categories. A total of 3.5 percent of GDP will be allocated directly to essential defense needs and to achieving NATO capability targets, while the remaining 1.5 percent will be directed towards broader defense and security-related expenditures.
These include the protection of critical infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and enhancing the readiness of the defense industry.
The statement also called on all member states to submit "credible annual plans" outlining their phased approach toward achieving these targets. These commitments will be reviewed in 2029, in light of strategic developments and evolving security challenges.
The NATO leaders further confirmed that support for Ukraine will be included in the calculation of national defense spending, emphasizing that "Ukraine's security contributes to the overall security of the Alliance." This includes ongoing direct military assistance and support for Ukraine's defense industrial base.
On the industrial front, the declaration emphasized the urgent need to "expand transatlantic defense industrial cooperation, eliminate intra-Alliance defense trade barriers, and leverage modern technologies to enhance collective security." NATO leaders expressed their appreciation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its warm hospitality in hosting the summit. They announced that the next NATO summit would be held in Turkiye in 2026, followed by a subsequent summit in Albania. (end) arn.sam