U.S. President Donald Trump has announced a landmark agreement within NATO, where member countries have pledged to increase their defense and security spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035. This decision, revealed at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, marks a significant escalation from the previous 2% target set by the alliance.
The new commitment, formalized at the 2025 NATO Summit in The Hague, outlines that at least 3.5% of GDP will be allocated to core defense needs, with an additional 1.5% dedicated to defense-related investments and security requirements. Trump described this development as a critical step forward for NATO’s collective capabilities.
In addition to addressing NATO’s strategic priorities, Trump reiterated a call for an end to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing the humanitarian toll it continues to exact. He assured that the United States remains committed to pursuing diplomatic avenues to help resolve the war.
NATO officials have noted that European allies and Canada are actively working to meet the new spending targets. Reports indicate that these countries increased their combined core defense budgets by nearly 20% in real terms between 2024 and 2025, demonstrating their commitment to the alliance’s enhanced objectives.
The 5% GDP commitment is part of NATO’s broader strategy to bolster military capabilities, enhance defense production, and strengthen collective security measures. This initiative underscores the alliance’s resolve to address evolving global security challenges effectively.