NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed the defense spending pledge for NATO countries will increase.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that the upcoming defense spending pledge for NATO countries will significantly exceed 2% of GDP. Rutte made the announcement ahead of an informal defense retreat in Brussels with EU leaders and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, stating that the exact figure would be decided later in 2025, based on the assessment of each member's defense capabilities.
"We are now assessing the gaps with each of the allies between where we are and where we should be," Rutte explained. "Based on that, we will decide on the new defense spending pledge. But it will be considerably higher than 2%, I can assure you."
The pledge comes as NATO seeks to address defense capabilities across its member states. The alliance has faced growing pressure, particularly from the United States, which has called on NATO's European members to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense—a target no NATO member currently meets.
In 2024, EU countries spent an average of 1.9% of their GDP on defense, totaling approximately 326 billion euros ($334.48 billion). This represented a 30% increase from the previous year, according to EU estimates.
During the retreat, Rutte also addressed concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the "high north" region, which includes Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Canada. Trump has emphasized the strategic importance of the area, and Rutte agreed, stressing the need for NATO to take collective action.
"My stance is we have to ramp up defense spending, we have to ramp up defense production," said Rutte. "We have very good discussions with Denmark and, of course, with all the allies, and it's absolutely clear that Trump is right when it comes to the high north, that we have to do more collectively."
Rutte's comments came as the NATO summit in Brussels unfolded, overshadowed by President Trump's recent decision to impose tariffs on imports from the EU, following similar actions on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.
As NATO continues to evaluate defense capabilities and spending commitments, Rutte’s assurances signal a determination to strengthen the alliance's collective security in the face of evolving global challenges.
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Turkmenistan on a working visit on August 22, at the invitation of Chairman of the Hal...
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Russia’s Vladimir Putin, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and more than 20 heads of government at the ...
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signin...
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Donald Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as fe...
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honouring soldiers of the arm...
Türkiye is stepping up as a key player in efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war. President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, NATO chief Mark Rutte, and senior Turkish officials all emphasized Ankara’s key role in promoting lasting peace.
The chief of staff of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday that work was underway on establishing the military component of security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a settlement of the war with Russia.
Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz has said that Russia is provoking NATO countries again.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Tuesday he had ruled out putting U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine, but said the United States might provide air support as part of a deal to end Russia's war in the country.
A powerful eruption at Japan’s Shinmoedake volcano sent an ash plume more than 3,000 metres high on Sunday morning, prompting safety warnings from authorities.
According to the German Research Centre for Geosciences (GFZ), a magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck the Oaxaca region of Mexico on Saturday.
The UK is gearing up for Exercise Pegasus 2025, its largest pandemic readiness test since COVID-19. Running from September to November, this full-scale simulation will challenge the country's response to a fast-moving respiratory outbreak.
Honduras has brought back mask mandates as COVID-19 cases and a new variant surge nationwide.
Kuwait says oil prices will likely stay below $72 per barrel as OPEC monitors global supply trends and U.S. policy signals. The remarks come during market uncertainty fueled by new U.S. tariffs on India and possible sanctions on Russia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping will host Russia’s Vladimir Putin, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and more than 20 heads of government at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September.
California lawmakers have fast-tracked a redistricting plan giving Democrats a potential five-seat gain in Congress, with Governor Gavin Newsom signing the measure on Thursday to counter Republican efforts in Texas.
The U.S. National Guard has been deployed across Washington, D.C. following President Donald Trump’s declaration of a public safety emergency, as federal authorities continue efforts to reduce crime and secure the capital.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un praised troops who fought for Russia in Ukraine, calling them "heroic" during a ceremony honouring soldiers of the army's overseas operations.
The U.S. State Department confirmed that all 55 million visa holders are under continuous review, with potential revocations for security or legal violations.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment