All NATO member countries reaffirmed on Wednesday (25) their “unshakable commitment to collective defense” and pledged to invest 5% of their GDP in defense by 2035.
To this end, each country must present annual plans that show “a reliable and progressive path to achieve this goal,” according to the final statement of the Hague, the Netherlands.
The statement, endorsed by the 32 heads of state and government at the NATO’s main meeting, does not include clear exceptions to countries such as Spain and points out that allies are committed to increasing spending to 5% due to “profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat represented by Euro-atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism.”
“Allies agree to present annual plans that show a reliable and progressive path towards this goal,” adds the statement of only one page and five points, which also highlights the long-term support of NATO countries to Ukraine, which will be included in the defense spending declared by the Member States.
In addition, he highlights the “unshakable commitment to the collective defense” of the North Atlantic Treaty: “An attack on one is an attack on everyone. We remain united and firm in our determination to protect our billions from citizens, defend the alliance and safeguard our freedom and democracy.”
Investments will be essential defense requirements, as well as security and defense spending, and, according to the brief document, this should “ensure” that NATO has “the forces, capabilities, resources, infrastructure, prompt combat and resilience needed to dissuade and defend, in accordance with our three fundamental tasks: Dismissal and Defense, Prevention and Management of Cooperative Crisis and Security.”
According to the text, there will be two main categories of defense investment, at least 3.5% “according to the agreed definition of NATO defense spending by 2035, to finance the fundamental defense requirements and meet NATO’s capacity objectives.”
Meanwhile, the remaining 1.5% of annual GDP will be used, among other things, to “protect critical infrastructures, defend digital networks, ensure preparation and civil resilience, boost innovation and strengthen the industrial defense base,” the text lists without going into detail.
“The evolution and balance of spending on this plan will be reviewed in 2029, taking into account the strategic environment and updated capacity objectives.”
Before agreeing with the new target of military spending, NATO defense ministers agreed earlier this month with military capacity goals (eg aircraft or ammunition) that allied countries should achieve to ensure their safety and in principle derive the new value of investment in defense.
On the other hand, the document also highlights the commitment to Ukraine and that helps Kiev tells the total defense spending of each member country.
“Allies reaffirm their long -term sovereign commitments to support Ukraine, whose security contributes to ours, and will include in their defense spending direct contributions to the defense of Ukraine and its defense industry,” emphasizes the agreement of NATO countries.
Finally, NATO’s heads of state and government emphasize a “shared commitment” to expand transatlantic industrial cooperation in defense and “eliminate commercial defense barriers” among allies, in order to promote industrial cooperation in this area.
