In a bold and unprecedented move, NATO is considering a dramatic rise in defense spending across its 32 member states, with a target of allocating up to 5% of each nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2032. The proposal, which is gaining traction within the alliance, reflects growing concerns over global security threats and an urgent push to strengthen NATO’s military readiness.
A New Target Beyond the 2% Benchmark
Currently, NATO members are bound by a 2014 pledge to spend at least 2% of their GDP on defense—a goal that has proven difficult for many nations to achieve. As of 2024, only 22 of NATO’s 32 members meet this target. However, under the new plan, proposed by NATO’s incoming Secretary-General Mark Rutte (also the current Dutch Prime Minister), member nations would not only meet but more than double this commitment.
According to Rutte’s outline, the proposed 5% of GDP would be divided as follows:
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3.5% directly invested in military capabilities—such as weapons systems, troop readiness, and logistics;
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1.5% allocated to broader security priorities, including critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, and strategic resilience.
This proposal is expected to be a centerpiece of the NATO summit scheduled for June 24–25 in The Hague, where alliance leaders will meet to review their collective security strategy in the face of mounting geopolitical instability.
A Push Backed by the U.S.—But Even Washington Isn’t There Yet
The move closely aligns with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s calls for NATO allies to take on a larger financial share of defense burdens. Trump, known for his criticism of what he saw as disproportionate U.S. spending within the alliance, has urged member states to increase their contributions up to 5% of GDP.
Ironically, even the United States has not yet committed 5% of its GDP to defense spending, despite having the world’s largest military budget. Still, the idea is gaining momentum in Washington and Brussels, especially as threats from Russia and other strategic rivals grow more acute.
Russia’s War in Ukraine Drives Urgency
The context behind the push is clear: Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022 has transformed the European security landscape. NATO has significantly ramped up its support for Ukraine while reinforcing its eastern flank with troops, equipment, and long-term military deployments.
As Russia continues to modernize its armed forces and challenge the West both militarily and politically, NATO members see the need for a more robust and sustainable defense posture. The 5% proposal is intended not just to counter Russia’s aggression, but also to prepare the alliance for future hybrid and cyber threats, potential confrontations in the Arctic, and instability in other strategic regions.
Mixed Reactions from NATO Members
Reactions to the proposal have been mixed. Some countries, particularly those in Eastern Europe closest to Russia, are likely to welcome the plan. Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania already exceed the 2% threshold and have shown willingness to increase defense investments further.
However, wealthier but militarily moderate nations like Germany, Spain, Italy, and the Netherlands have expressed reservations. According to Prime Minister Rutte, the Netherlands has not yet taken a firm position and will consult with its parliament before making any commitments. Other countries are expected to follow similar deliberative processes.
Infrastructure, Resilience, and Civil Preparedness
A notable aspect of the 5% plan is its inclusion of spending outside traditional military categories. The additional 1.5% would focus on building societal resilience against threats like cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and attacks on power grids, ports, and communication systems.
This shift recognizes that modern warfare extends beyond battlefields to civilian domains—and that national security today requires whole-of-society approaches.
Toward a More Capable NATO
As NATO approaches its 76th anniversary, this proposal signals a major evolution in its strategic posture. While consensus among all 32 members is far from guaranteed, the idea of boosting defense spending to 5% of GDP represents a clear response to an increasingly dangerous and uncertain world.
The June summit in The Hague will likely be a decisive moment for the alliance—testing its unity, political will, and capacity to match rhetoric with real resources.
