U.S. Defense Secretary Confident NATO Will Meet Increased Defense Spending Goals
During a NATO meeting in Brussels, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasizes the need for member countries to raise defense expenditures in line with President Trump’s proposal.
BRUSSELS – U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth expressed confidence that NATO member countries would endorse President Donald Trump’s request for a significant increase in defense spending.
Speaking at a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, Hegseth underscored the importance of member nations moving beyond mere symbolic commitments, stating, "You have to be more than just flags to be an alliance.
Formations are required." He highlighted a commitment to achieving a defense spending target of 5% of national GDP across the alliance, a shift from the current goal of 2%.
Hegseth noted that the increase should be finalized by the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25.
European allies recognize the necessity of raising defense expenditures to ensure the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the continent.
According to diplomats, improving defense spending will enable President Trump to present a success on his 5% demand at the forthcoming summit.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte indicated that a higher spending target for NATO countries would be set during the conference, referring to it as "considerable extra investment."
To meet Trump's benchmark, Rutte proposed that alliance nations aim for a defense expenditure of 3.5% of GDP, paired with an additional 1.5% directed towards broader security-related spending.
This plan aims to reach the 5% goal by 2032. In his opening remarks, Rutte described the expected agreements as "historic" and indicative of NATO’s commitment to becoming a stronger and more balanced alliance.
The new targets will outline the specific contributions of troops, weapons, and ammunition each member nation must provide.
Some Eastern European nations have expressed concern that the timeline to achieve the 5% goal by 2032 is overly ambitious, while others suggest it is premature given the current levels of industrial production and defense investment.
Speaking at a NATO defense ministers' meeting in Brussels, Hegseth underscored the importance of member nations moving beyond mere symbolic commitments, stating, "You have to be more than just flags to be an alliance.
Formations are required." He highlighted a commitment to achieving a defense spending target of 5% of national GDP across the alliance, a shift from the current goal of 2%.
Hegseth noted that the increase should be finalized by the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 24-25.
European allies recognize the necessity of raising defense expenditures to ensure the continued commitment of the United States to the security of the continent.
According to diplomats, improving defense spending will enable President Trump to present a success on his 5% demand at the forthcoming summit.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte indicated that a higher spending target for NATO countries would be set during the conference, referring to it as "considerable extra investment."
To meet Trump's benchmark, Rutte proposed that alliance nations aim for a defense expenditure of 3.5% of GDP, paired with an additional 1.5% directed towards broader security-related spending.
This plan aims to reach the 5% goal by 2032. In his opening remarks, Rutte described the expected agreements as "historic" and indicative of NATO’s commitment to becoming a stronger and more balanced alliance.
The new targets will outline the specific contributions of troops, weapons, and ammunition each member nation must provide.
Some Eastern European nations have expressed concern that the timeline to achieve the 5% goal by 2032 is overly ambitious, while others suggest it is premature given the current levels of industrial production and defense investment.
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