NATO boosts defense spending to 5% GDP, reaffirms unity amid rising Russia threat

NATO leaders agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and reaffirmed their “ironclad commitment” to mutual defense during a landmark summit in The Hague. The move, seen as a major win for President Donald Trump, responds to growing threats from Russia and reflects U.S. pressure for stronger European defense contributions. The new spending target, up from 2%, includes 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for infrastructure and cybersecurity. While some nations, like Spain, expressed concerns about affordability, leaders agreed to review the progress in 2029. The declaration supported Ukraine but omitted past language about eventual NATO membership, showing a more cautious U.S. stance. Trump affirmed his support for NATO's Article 5, calling the summit “tremendous.”