Fact Check: NATO countries pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.

Fact Check: NATO Countries Pledged to Spend 5% of GDP on Defense by 2035

What We Know

NATO member countries have indeed made a commitment to increase their defense spending to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2035. This decision was reached during a summit held in The Hague, where leaders emphasized the need to address "profound" security challenges, particularly the threats posed by Russia and terrorism (NATO agrees to higher defence spending goal). The commitment includes a stipulation that at least 3.5% of each member state's GDP will be allocated to core defense expenditures, with an additional 1.5% earmarked for broadly defined security-related investments (NATO Defense Spending Tracker).

The joint statement from NATO leaders highlighted their "ironclad commitment" to mutual defense, reaffirming that an attack on one member would be considered an attack on all (NATO agrees spike in defence spending and stresses). However, it is important to note that this 5% target is a long-term goal and not an immediate requirement.

Analysis

The claim that NATO countries pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 is partially true. While it is accurate that NATO leaders agreed to this target, the specifics of the commitment reveal a more nuanced picture. The 5% figure comprises a minimum of 3.5% for core defense expenditures and up to 1.5% for other security-related investments (Defence expenditures and NATO's 5% commitment). This distinction is critical because it indicates that not all of the spending will be directly related to military capabilities.

Moreover, the commitment has faced skepticism from some member states. For instance, Spain's Economy Minister expressed concerns about the feasibility of reaching such a target, arguing that the discussion around the percentage was misguided given their current spending levels (NATO agrees spike in defence spending and stresses). This skepticism reflects broader concerns among NATO members about the economic implications of such an increase, especially in light of existing national budget constraints (Can debt-laden NATO members spend billions more on defense?).

The reliability of the sources reporting on this commitment varies. Major news outlets like Reuters and the BBC provide credible coverage of NATO's decisions, while NATO's own publications offer authoritative definitions and context regarding defense expenditures (NATO - Topic: Funding NATO). However, the potential bias in political commentary, especially from sources with vested interests in defense spending, should be considered when evaluating the implications of this commitment.

Conclusion

The claim that NATO countries pledged to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 is partially true. While the commitment to increase defense spending to this level is accurate, it is contingent upon a breakdown that includes at least 3.5% for core defense and up to 1.5% for broader security investments. Additionally, the feasibility of achieving this target remains uncertain, with varying levels of support and skepticism among member states.