Nato Summit in the hague: defense spending increase expected to be discussed

The NATO Summit in The Hague, scheduled for late June 2025, is anticipated to address a potential increase in defense spending targets for member states. Currently, NATO requires members to spend a minimum of 2% of their GDP on defense. Discussions will center on raising this benchmark, possibly to around 3%. Secretary-General Mark Rutte has suggested a figure as high as 5%, but a compromise is expected. This adjustment follows the 2023 Vilnius summit, where it was established that the 2% target would no longer be sufficient. Several nations already exceed the 3% threshold, including Poland, Estonia, the United States, Latvia, and Greece. Belgium, which has struggled to meet the existing 2% target, faces significant challenges in reaching a higher spending level. The government is exploring ways to secure more structural income to meet defense commitments. Defense Minister Theo Francken is expected to propose an investment plan outlining how additional funds will be allocated, in consultation with NATO.