NATO member state leaders have committed to investing 5% of GDP annually by 2035 in core defense and related expenditures, according to the joint statement from the Summit. This development aligns with the wishes of American President Donald Trump.
According to the final text of the Hague summit declaration approved on Wednesday 25/06, this commitment aims to “ensure the fulfillment of individual and collective obligations.” Additionally, leaders reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of collective defense, based on Article 5 which stipulates that “an attack against one is an attack against all.” The declaration states that members will submit “annual plans” demonstrating “a credible, gradual path to achieving this goal” with a more comprehensive progress review to be conducted in 2029.
NATO: Agreement to invest 5% of GDP annually in defense and security
The five-point declaration also includes reaffirmation of “the unwavering commitment of the 32 countries to collective defense, as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack against one is an attack against all.” NATO also promises further support to Ukraine and notes that “its security contributes to our own,” but does not directly condemn Russia. It does, however, include a separate line about “the long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security.”
The NATO Summit declaration from The Hague
1. We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, gathered in The Hague to reaffirm our commitment to NATO, the strongest Alliance in history, and to the transatlantic bond. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to collective defense, as enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – that an attack against one is an attack against all. We remain united and steadfast in our determination to protect our one billion citizens, defend the Alliance, and preserve our freedom and democracy.
2. United against deep security threats and challenges, particularly Russia’s long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism, Allies commit to investing 5% of GDP annually in core defense requirements as well as defense and security-related expenditures by 2035, to ensure our individual and collective obligations under Article 3 of the Washington Treaty. Our investments will ensure we have the forces, capabilities, resources, infrastructure, combat readiness, and resilience required for deterrence and defense, according to our three core tasks: deterrence and defense, crisis prevention and management, and cooperative security.
3. Allies agree that this 5% commitment will include two main categories of defense investment. Allies will allocate at least 3.5% of GDP annually based on NATO’s agreed definition of defense spending by 2035 to cover core defense needs and achieve NATO objectives. Allies agree to submit annual plans showing a credible, gradual path to achieving this goal. And 1.5% of GDP annually will be designated for Allies to protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure civilian readiness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defense industrial base. The trajectory and balance of spending under this plan will be reviewed in 2029, in light of the strategic environment and updated objectives. Allies reaffirm their ongoing sovereign commitments to providing support to Ukraine, whose security contributes to our own, and for this purpose, will include direct contributions to Ukraine’s defense and its defense industry in calculating Allies’ defense spending.
4. We reaffirm our shared commitment to rapidly expand transatlantic defense industrial cooperation and leverage emerging technology and the spirit of innovation to advance our collective security. We will work to eliminate trade barriers in the defense sector among Allies and leverage our partnerships to promote defense industrial cooperation.
5. We express our appreciation for the generous hospitality provided by the Netherlands. We look forward to our next meeting in Turkey in 2026, followed by a meeting in Albania.
