BRUSSELS – A significant gathering of NATO leaders, including President Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer, has highlighted a pressing issue: nearly a third of the alliance’s members have not met their defense spending targets, prompting calls for increased investments.
Immediate Impact
The NATO summit aims to establish a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP, yet recent estimates reveal that nine member countries are still falling short of the existing 2% benchmark. Among these, Spain has been singled out by President Trump as the lowest spender, a critique that underscores ongoing tensions within the alliance.
Key Details Emerge
Rachel Ellehuus, director of the defense think tank RUSI, noted a geographical divide in spending patterns. “It’s the allies closer to the Russian threat in the north and east who are spending more, whereas southern allies often fall below the 2% threshold,” she told BBC News.
NATO’s overall defense spending, excluding the US, has increased from 1.4% of GDP in 2014 to 2% by 2024, despite some countries lagging behind.
Industry Response
The 2% target is not legally binding, leaving political pressure as the primary tool for enforcement. President Trump has been vocal, reportedly warning a NATO leader that failure to meet commitments could lead to reduced US protection.
Jamie Shea, a former NATO official, emphasized, “Nobody wants to be labeled a bad ally for failing to meet the target.”
By the Numbers
- Spain’s defense spending was 1.2% of GDP last year.
- Canada spent 1.5% in 2024, with a pledge to reach 2% by March next year.
- Belgium plans to increase spending to 2% by investing an additional €4 billion.
- Portugal and Italy aim to meet the 2% target this year, up from 1.5% in 2024.
What Comes Next
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez of Spain has stated that his country will surpass the 2% mark by 2025, despite public protests against increased military spending. Sánchez also claims an exemption from the proposed 5% target, citing it as “incompatible with our worldview.”
Mario Saavedra, a diplomatic correspondent, explained, “Spain argues for smarter procurement rather than merely increasing spending.”
Background Context
The push for higher defense spending comes amid heightened tensions with Russia and a renewed focus on NATO’s strategic capabilities. The proposed 5% target reflects a significant shift in priorities, aimed at bolstering the alliance’s defense posture.
Expert Analysis
Analysts warn that while increasing military budgets is critical, the focus should also be on enhancing capabilities. Jamie Shea remarked, “There’s been too much emphasis on the financial aspect, rather than what those funds achieve.”
Regional Implications
The disparity in defense spending among NATO members could lead to strategic imbalances, potentially affecting the alliance’s cohesion. As countries like Spain advocate for more efficient spending, the debate over financial contributions versus capabilities continues to evolve.
As NATO navigates these challenges, the emphasis remains on maintaining a unified front in the face of external threats, with the expectation that all members will contribute equitably to the alliance’s collective security.