NATO defence spending is back in the spotlight. At a high-stakes meeting in The Hague, alliance leaders agreed to raise military budgets sharply. The new target is five percent of GDP, with at least 3.5 percent set aside for direct military use.
This plan, strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, is a clear response to increasing global tensions, especially the threat posed by Russia.
The final statement from the summit is expected to be shorter and less aggressive than in previous years. The latest draft, seen by sources, avoids strong language aimed at Russia and focuses instead on unity and future planning.
Support for Ukraine remains a key theme. NATO now defines Ukraine’s security as directly linked to its own. For European leaders, the message is clear: this is not just about aid or diplomacy. It is about Europe’s defence.
During a short appearance before the press, President Trump described NATO as becoming stronger and more focused. He confirmed that the United States still stands behind Article 5, the collective defence clause. That support came just a day after he raised doubts about whether the US should automatically respond under that commitment.
Secretary General Mark Rutte, who has long supported deeper European defence cooperation, said the message is not aimed at American taxpayers. He noted that it is time for European and Canadian partners to do more, invest more, and shoulder more of the cost.
For many member states, the new five percent goal will require major political and budget shifts. Defence ministries will need to justify this increase to voters and parliament. However, there appears to be a growing consensus that the post-Cold War model is no longer enough.
The leaders also discussed the recent US strikes on Iran. President Trump claimed that the strikes had wiped out Iran’s nuclear program for years to come. Intelligence analysts, however, suggest the damage may only delay operations by a few months.
Trump warned that further military action is possible if uranium enrichment resumes. Meanwhile, he credited the recent pressure campaign for pushing Israel and Hamas closer to a ceasefire agreement.
Finland continues to strengthen its position inside NATO. President Alexander Stubb is expected to speak later today on the summit’s decisions. For now, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen have held back from commenting on the legality of the US attacks on Iran.
Finland has also joined the new Lapland FLF force. This Nordic-led initiative includes support from the UK and France and is designed to respond quickly to threats in Europe’s north.
With Trump’s return to office and his transactional approach to global alliances, European leaders face a tough road ahead. The need for a united front has never been stronger, but doubts remain over how that unity will hold.
What is clear is that NATO is changing. Budgets are rising. Priorities are shifting. And the pressure to prepare for real conflict is growing with each summit.
