Fact Check: "NATO's defense spending plan will be reviewed in 2029."
What We Know
The claim that "NATO's defense spending plan will be reviewed in 2029" lacks direct confirmation from credible sources. However, NATO has a history of regularly reviewing its defense strategies and spending commitments, particularly during its summits. For instance, NATO's Secretary General has indicated that the upcoming NATO Summit in The Hague, scheduled for June 2025, will focus on evaluating progress and establishing new spending commitments to strengthen collective defense (NATO - Homepage).
Additionally, NATO's strategic planning typically involves assessments that span several years, and the most recent strategic concept was laid out in 2022, which outlines the Alliance's objectives for the next decade (What is NATO?). This suggests that while there may be discussions about spending in 2029, there is no explicit mention of a formal review set for that year in the available documentation.
Analysis
The assertion about a specific review in 2029 appears to be speculative. NATO's processes for reviewing defense spending are generally tied to its summits, which occur every few years. The next summit in 2025 is expected to address current challenges and set future spending targets, but there is no official documentation confirming a review specifically scheduled for 2029.
The reliability of the sources consulted is high, as they originate from NATO's official communications and website. However, the absence of a clear statement regarding a review in 2029 means that the claim cannot be substantiated with the current information available. The strategic concepts and spending commitments are often influenced by geopolitical events, which can change the timeline and focus of NATO's reviews (NATO - Topic: What we do).
Conclusion
Needs Research: The claim that NATO's defense spending plan will be reviewed in 2029 cannot be confirmed with the current evidence. While NATO does engage in regular reviews of its defense strategies, the specific mention of a review in 2029 lacks direct support from credible sources. Further investigation into NATO's future plans and any official announcements leading up to the 2025 summit may provide clarity on this matter.
