NATO agree to boost defence spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035
NATO ambassadors agreed to boost defence spending and related spending, rising from the longstanding 2 % target to a combined 5 % of GDP by 2035, ahead of next week’s Hague summit. The new commitment consists of 3.5 % on core military expenditure and 1.5 % on infrastructure, cyber and security-related areas such as logistics and intelligence networks. The UK aims to raise its defence budget from ~2.3 % to 3 % by 2034, with expectations to align with the broader goal. Spain secured an opt‑out clause, allowing it to maintain current levels (~2.1 %) amid concerns over the impact on social spending.
Read a WTX News report on the NATO defence spending boost
🔁 Reactions:
- Government (Mark Rutte, NATO Sec‑Gen): “We must rearm at the speed of fear—this sends a clear message of resolve.” (washingtonpost.com)
- Opposition (Spanish PM Sánchez): “5 % would be counter‑productive—it must reflect our economic capacity.” (reuters.com)
- Viral/Public (r/ukpolitics Redditor): “That 1.5 % is gonna be heavily up for debate… energy infrastructure is included.” (reddit.com)
📰 Bias Snapshot:
- Reuters/AP/Sky cover the agreement’s substance, timelines, and national responses factually (apnews.com).
- Financial Times delves into the fiscal and strategic implications, highlighting fiscal constraints, UK reforms and EU defence coordination.
- The Guardian panel voices concern over disparate economic capabilities and warns against overplaying the U.S. or undermining alliance cohesion (theguardian.com).
📊 Sentiment: Neutral–positive.