NATO Eyes 5% Defense Goal

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed optimism on Wednesday that member states will agree to a new defense spending goal of 5% of GDP, aligning with U.S. calls for a stronger European contribution to collective security, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency

Speaking ahead of a NATO summit in The Hague, Rutte acknowledged that the financial commitment could be politically challenging but said growing threats from Russia and global instability leave no choice.

“There is absolute clarity that the United States is totally committed to NATO and Article Five,” Rutte said. “Canadians and Europeans are expected to increase their spending to ensure we can defend ourselves against Russia and others.”

He downplayed concerns that Spain could block the agreement and addressed a recent text message he sent—publicly disclosed by former U.S. President Donald Trump—calling it “a statement of fact.”

Rutte also commented on recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities, calling them “crucial” in preventing Tehran from developing nuclear weapons, a long-standing NATO position.