Fact Check: "Nato leaders to commit to 5% security spending by 2035"
What We Know
The claim that NATO leaders will commit to spending 5% of their national output on defense by 2035 is based on recent discussions at a NATO summit held in The Hague. During this summit, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer of the UK announced a pledge to meet a new NATO target of 5% of GDP on national security by 2035, which includes a split of 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for defense-related areas such as cybersecurity and infrastructure (source-4).
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte indicated that all 32 member countries are expected to agree to this 5% goal, although many allies currently fall short of the existing 2% guideline established in 2014 (source-2). The commitment to the 5% target is seen as a response to increased security threats, particularly from Russia, and aims to bolster collective defense capabilities (source-3).
Analysis
While the announcement of a 5% spending target is significant, it is important to note that this commitment is not uniformly agreed upon by all NATO members. The target is ambitious, especially considering that many countries are currently spending below the 2% threshold. As of now, only 23 out of 32 NATO members meet the existing 2% spending target, and several countries have expressed concerns about the feasibility of reaching 5% by 2035 (source-1).
The split of the 5% target into 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for broader security measures may provide some flexibility for countries that struggle to meet the core defense requirements. However, this flexibility could also lead to varying interpretations of what constitutes "defense-related expenditure," which might dilute the effectiveness of the commitment (source-2).
Moreover, the political landscape in various member countries may affect their ability to meet these targets. For instance, Spain has already indicated it may seek exemptions from the target, which could undermine the collective commitment (source-2).
In summary, while the commitment to a 5% target is a notable development, the practical implications and the extent to which all member states will adhere to this pledge remain uncertain.
Conclusion
The claim that NATO leaders will commit to 5% security spending by 2035 is Partially True. While there is a clear intention and some pledges from key leaders, including the UK, to reach this target, the actual commitment from all NATO members is not guaranteed. Many countries currently spend below the existing 2% guideline, and there are indications that some may seek exemptions or face political challenges in meeting the new target. Therefore, while the goal is set, the path to achieving it is fraught with uncertainties.
