26 Mar, 11:04··

NATO countries increased defense spending by 20%.

RTL Nieuws

NATO countries increased their defense budgets by 20% in the last year. All member states are now trying to meet a 2% of GDP spending target. This increase is due to worries about global tensions and threats.

NATO members have increased their defense spending significantly. The rise is 20% in the last year. Many countries are trying to spend 2% of their country’s GDP on defense. The Netherlands was a leader in this increase. Concerns about the Strait of Hormuz and the IRIS2 project are also driving this change. This spending increase shows a stronger commitment to protecting the alliance.

Summarized from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.

Highlights

Increased Defense Spending

NATO member states increased defense spending by 20% in the last year.

2% GDP Target Reached

NATO countries reached the 2% of GDP defense spending target for 2025.

Netherlands Exceeded Target

The Netherlands significantly surpassed the NATO defense spending benchmark in 2023.

Spain Lowest Spending Nation

Spain is the NATO member with the lowest defense spending.

Shift to 3.5% Goal

NATO now aims for 3.5% of GDP in defense spending by 2035.

Perspectives

Sources agree
  • NATO member states increased their defense budgets significantly.
  • The increase in defense spending is driven by concerns about geopolitical tensions.
  • The goal is to bolster military capabilities and collective security.
  • NATO members are aiming to meet spending targets, primarily 2% of GDP initially, with some aiming for 5% by 2035.
Sources disagree
Spending levels and targets

Sources: ORF News, RTL Nieuws, NU.nl, EurActiv, New

ORF News, RTL Nieuws, NU.nl, EurActiv, New

Sources: Politico EU, France24, France24 English, France24

Politico EU, France24, France24 English, France24

VS
The drivers of increased spending

Sources: Politico EU, France24, France24 English, France24

Politico EU, France24, France24 English, France24

Sources: RTL Nieuws, NU.nl, EurActiv, New

RTL Nieuws, NU.nl, EurActiv, New

VS

Timeline

22h span
26 Mar, 11:0427 Mar, 09:32
natodefensesecurityeuropedefence