All NATO countries will reach the 2% of GDP defense spending target for the first time in 2025
By 2025, all NATO member countries had reached or exceeded the target level of defense spending of 2% of GDP.
This is stated in the annual report by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Total defense spending by NATO countries amounted to $1.4 trillion, which is 6% more than the previous year.
At the same time, the report notes significant differences among member states. Spain, Portugal, Albania, Belgium, and Canada spent the smallest share of GDP on defense—at 2%—while Poland led the way with 4.3%.
Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Denmark also exceeded 3% of GDP.
It is specifically noted that Europe and Canada increased defense spending by 19% over the year—to $574 billion.
Mark Rutte emphasized that the allies are aware of the new security challenges, but warned: there is no time to delay.
Earlier, NATO countries agreed to raise the defense spending target to 5% of GDP by 2035.
As a reminder, the NATO mission in Iraq has withdrawn all personnel to Europe.
Rutte also called on NATO countries to support the U.S. military operation against Iran.
