NATO debates raising defence target to 5% of GDP at summit in The Hague, amid global tensions and U.S. pressure for allies to share more of the burden.
Leaders Converge in The Hague for Crucial NATO Talks
NATO leaders gathered Wednesday in The Hague for a high-stakes summit focused on a transformative proposal to more than double the alliance’s defence spending target. Prime Minister Mark Carney joined counterparts from across the 32-member alliance to debate raising the goal from 2% to 5% of GDP—a dramatic shift with far-reaching implications for military readiness and global stability.
Proposal Seeks to Reshape Defence Contributions
The plan, introduced by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, would allocate 3.5% of GDP for traditional defence expenditures like fighter jets and munitions, with an additional 1.5% for areas such as cybersecurity and military infrastructure. Rutte framed the move as a long-overdue rebalancing, asserting that “for too long, one ally—the United States—carried too much of the burden.”
Delays Mark Summit Start as Leaders Gather
The summit’s schedule was disrupted Wednesday morning as leaders continued arriving well past the 10:30 a.m. start time. The official meeting began roughly 45 minutes late, with Carney seen speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A short video presentation preceded Rutte’s opening remarks, which emphasized the urgency of unity in light of the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Defence Spending Push Tied to Global Threats
Rutte urged leaders to take “historic, transformational decisions,” linking the proposed spending increase to NATO’s ability to respond to rising global threats. He called for expanded defence production and renewed support for Ukraine, warning that peace “cannot be taken for granted.” Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof echoed the sentiment, calling the proposal “unprecedented” and vital for the alliance’s future.
Canada Signals Conditional Support for Target
Carney, speaking ahead of the summit, suggested Canada is open to the target but would partially meet it through strategic development of critical mineral deposits. He estimated the 5% target would equate to a $150-billion defence budget for Canada—far above the $41 billion spent in 2024. He emphasized partnerships with the EU and U.K. as key to achieving the goal.
Unity Required as U.S. Signals Mixed Messages
The proposal requires unanimous approval from all NATO members, and while major players like the U.K., France, Germany, and the Netherlands are on board, countries such as Spain and Slovakia have expressed hesitation. Rutte warned that “no country can opt out,” with progress on implementation to be reviewed in four years. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump, a long-time critic of NATO burden-sharing, has both fueled the proposal and sowed uncertainty by questioning the U.S. commitment to NATO’s mutual defence clause, Article 5.
Balancing Act to Maintain U.S. Engagement
Diplomats and analysts view the spending increase as a strategic attempt to satisfy U.S. demands and preserve transatlantic unity. Kerry Buck, former Canadian ambassador to NATO, said Canada’s interests are best served by keeping the U.S. engaged in the alliance. “NATO’s good for Canada,” she said, warning that public divisions at the summit could weaken the alliance.
Path Forward Remains Uncertain
While there is growing consensus on the need for increased spending, the timeline and specifics of implementation remain contentious. Rutte acknowledged that allies are at a crossroads, saying, “This decision is required to resource our plans and readiness.” The coming days will determine whether NATO can deliver on what leaders call a “historic” commitment—or risk renewed divisions at a pivotal moment for global security.
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