Fact Check: "NATO nations must spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035."
What We Know
The claim that NATO nations must spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035 is based on discussions from recent NATO summits. At the 2025 NATO Summit held in The Hague, NATO leaders recognized the need for member countries to increase their defense spending significantly. They proposed a target of 5% of GDP for defense expenditures, with a stipulation that up to 1.5% of this could be allocated to defense-related investments. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance collective defense capabilities in response to evolving global security threats, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions, including Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Analysis
While the proposal for NATO nations to spend 5% of their GDP on defense was indeed discussed at the 2025 summit, it is important to note that this figure is not a binding requirement but rather a target for member states to aim for. The language used in NATO communications often emphasizes "commitments" and "targets" rather than mandatory spending levels. This distinction is crucial because it reflects the voluntary nature of NATO's defense spending guidelines, which have historically been set at 2% of GDP for member nations.
The reliability of the sources is generally high, as they originate from NATO's official communications and documentation. The NATO Homepage and the NATO Summit page provide direct insights into the alliance's strategic discussions and decisions. However, the interpretation of these discussions can vary, and some media outlets may present the information with varying degrees of emphasis on the urgency or necessity of meeting these targets.
Moreover, while the 5% figure has been proposed, it remains to be seen how many NATO members will adopt this target in practice. As of now, only a few countries meet or exceed the 2% guideline, and the political and economic feasibility of reaching 5% by 2035 is uncertain.
Conclusion
The claim that NATO nations must spend 5% of their GDP on defense by 2035 is Partially True. While the figure was indeed proposed during the NATO Summit as a target for future defense spending, it is not a legally binding requirement. The proposal reflects NATO's ongoing efforts to adapt to new security challenges, but the actual implementation and commitment from member states remain to be fully realized.
