NATO member states have agreed to raise their defence spending target to 5% of GDP, marking a sharp increase from the previous 2% goal.
The decision was announced on the final day of the NATO summit in The Hague on Wednesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump calling it a “monumental victory.”
The commitment is aimed at strengthening the alliance’s collective defence in response to growing global threats. Trump welcomed the agreement, while also criticizing Spain for saying it would not meet the new target until 2035.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte reassured allies that the U.S. remains “totally committed” to the alliance and its Article 5 mutual defence clause.
Ukraine and Russia still on agenda
While Ukraine received less focus than in previous summits, NATO allies reiterated their “enduring support” for the country. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he had urged Trump to expand sanctions on Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who met President Trump on the sidelines, said they discussed the potential co-production of drones, as well as the purchase of U.S. air defense systems to protect Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians.
Zelenskyy also praised recent U.S. strikes on Iranian military sites, claiming they had weakened Iran’s drone production capacity — drones which have been used in Russian attacks on Ukraine.
In a social media post, Zelenskyy said he provided Trump with updated battlefield information and encouraged European allies to support the purchase of U.S. weapons.
Türkiye confirmed it will host the next NATO Summit in 2026. The defence spending pledge is expected to reshape future alliance planning, procurement, and military readiness. The move also signals a stronger push for burden-sharing among NATO members.
The summit closed with a renewed emphasis on unity and burden-sharing as global tensions rise, particularly with Russia’s continued war in Ukraine, and instability in the Middle East. Secretary-General Mark Rutte underlined that the alliance remains firmly committed to Article 5 and collective defence.
As NATO prepares to mark its 76th year in 2026, the summit set the tone for a more assertive and better-resourced alliance amid growing global uncertainty.
Türkiye and Armenia have agreed to ease visa procedures for holders of diplomatic, service and special passports, marking another step in their ongoi...
In 2025, climate talks, security negotiations and trade diplomacy defined a year of high-level summits. Leaders met across continents to confront conf...
U.S. President Donald Trump says the United States carried out a strike on a Venezuelan dock allegedly used to load boats with drugs, causing a major ...
Israel has defended its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, as several countries at the United Nations questioned whether the move coul...
Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Monday, an allegation dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy ...
Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Monday, an allegation dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “complete fabrication” amidst sensitive peace negotiations.
The United States and Israel do not fully agree on the future of the West Bank, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday, without detailing the differences.
Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and former Chelsea Football Club owner, has assembled a “top tier” legal team, including a former White House advisor, as he prepares for a legal battle in Jersey.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that negotiations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to end the Russia-Ukraine war were “getting a lot closer, maybe very close,” while acknowledging that the future of eastern Ukraine’s disputed Donbas region remains unresolved.
A 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck offshore near Taiwan’s north-eastern county of Yilan late on Saturday, shaking buildings across the island, including in the capital Taipei, authorities said.
Brigitte Bardot, the French actress whose barefoot mambo in And God Created Woman propelled her to international fame and reshaped female sexuality on screen, has died at the age of 91, her foundation said on Sunday.
Roman Abramovich, the Russian billionaire and former Chelsea Football Club owner, has assembled a “top tier” legal team, including a former White House advisor, as he prepares for a legal battle in Jersey.
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on Sunday praised the country’s armed forces as “invincible warriors” during a year-end ceremony honouring the Bolivarian National Armed Forces, held in the coastal city of La Guaira.
Iran successfully launched three satellites on Sunday using a Russian Soyuz rocket from Russia’s Far East, marking the latest stage in growing Iran-Russia space cooperation.
In 2025, climate talks, security negotiations and trade diplomacy defined a year of high-level summits. Leaders met across continents to confront conflict, debate climate responsibility and shape global priorities. Some eased tensions, others exposed divisions, but all left their mark.
Israel has defended its recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, as several countries at the United Nations questioned whether the move could be linked to plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or establish Israeli military bases.
Russia accused Ukraine of trying to attack President Vladimir Putin’s residence on Monday, an allegation dismissed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a “complete fabrication” amidst sensitive peace negotiations.
Syria has introduced new banknotes, eliminating zeros and portraits in a move to strengthen national identity and restore confidence in the economy.
The United States and Israel do not fully agree on the future of the West Bank, U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday, without detailing the differences.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment