NATO foreign ministers met in Antalya, Turkey, on Thursday to discuss a significant proposal from the United States. The U.S. is urging NATO allies to increase their defense spending to five percent of their gross domestic product over the next seven years. This push comes as the U.S. shifts its focus to security threats beyond Europe, particularly concerning China.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte emphasized the need for greater investment and military resources to counter threats from Russia, terrorism, and now China. He warned that once the conflict in Ukraine concludes, Russia could rebuild its military capabilities within three to five years.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the strength of the NATO alliance depends on its members’ collective capabilities. He stressed that the U.S. demand for increased spending is aimed at preparing for modern threats.
This discussion on defense spending is heating up as leaders prepare for a summit in the Netherlands later this month. This gathering will focus on the future of European security, especially concerning Ukraine, as Russia’s invasion continues into its second year.
In 2023, NATO leaders had already agreed to aim for at least two percent of GDP on national defense budgets, a goal that 22 out of 32 member countries have met. The new plan under consideration would raise that target to 3.5 percent by 2032, plus an additional 1.5 percent for related areas like infrastructure.
Rutte acknowledged that including infrastructure in defense spending calculations could change how NATO traditionally assesses military budgets. He noted that roads, bridges, and airports must be capable of supporting military operations.
Germany expressed support for the U.S. proposal, viewing it as a commitment to NATO’s mutual defense obligations. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated that they are following the U.S. lead on this important issue.
However, reaching a new target of 3.5 percent may prove challenging for many NATO members. Countries like Belgium, Canada, and Italy are currently below the two percent threshold. While Spain plans to meet this goal by 2025, others may struggle to keep pace.
The U.S. demand for increased investment would require unprecedented levels of spending. President Trump has raised concerns about defending allies that do not invest adequately in their own defense, which is motivating some nations to increase their military budgets.
Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys urged NATO partners to accelerate their investment goals, citing the rapid military buildup by Russia. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy indicated that the U.K. aims to reach 2.5 percent by 2027 and three percent by the next elections in 2029.
As NATO focuses on European defense, the organization has not played a direct role in Asian security matters. It remains uncertain how the U.S. will approach its allies regarding challenges posed by China, especially following the chaotic end of NATO’s involvement in Afghanistan.
The discussions in Turkey reflect a pivotal moment for NATO as it reassesses its defense strategies in light of evolving global threats.