NATO leaders agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035 at the summit in The Hague. They committed 3.5% of budgets to military capabilities and an additional 1.5% to infrastructure, cybersecurity, and allied resilience. Mark Rutte praised the decision as a “historic step,” and Donald Trump called it a “major victory for Western defence.” All 32 member states endorsed the plan, though Spain secured an exception allowing it to maintain around 2.1% due to domestic budget constraints. NATO confirmed that it would review progress by 2029. Ministers defined the allocation: they assigned core defense to tanks, ships, and air defenses, and dedicated infrastructure spending to roads, cyber systems, and military production. They stressed that logistics are as important as ammunition. Rutte urged allies: “We must go further and faster.”

Officials emphasized that boosting military budgets strengthens deterrence against Russia and deters hybrid and cyber threats. They warned that failing to invest now would cost more later. James Hamilton of the International Institute for Strategic Studies called the move “ambitious but necessary.” Trump vowed that NATO’s Article 5 stood “ironclad,” and he pressured nations to fulfil their defense commitments. He hinted that the alliance could sanction underperforming members.

Alliance leaders now enter implementation phase. They plan annual national budget reviews and military readiness drills. They ask citizens: “Are we truly ready?” The agreement signals NATO’s resolve, but advocates warn that action must follow words.