Fact Check: "NATO's new spending target won't take effect for a decade."
What We Know
The claim that NATO's new spending target will not take effect for a decade is inaccurate. According to NATO's official website, during the NATO Summit held in June 2025, leaders agreed to a new spending target of 5% of GDP for defense, which is expected to be implemented immediately rather than over a decade. This new commitment includes a provision that up to 1.5% of this spending can be allocated for defense-related investments. The decision reflects NATO's ongoing adaptation to emerging security challenges, particularly in light of recent geopolitical tensions, including Russia's actions in Ukraine.
Furthermore, the strategic concept established at the 2022 NATO Summit outlines the alliance's goals and objectives for the next decade, but it does not imply a delay in the implementation of the new spending target (NATO).
Analysis
The assertion that NATO's new spending target will not take effect for a decade seems to stem from a misunderstanding of NATO's strategic planning and implementation timelines. The sources reviewed indicate that NATO is actively pursuing immediate changes to its defense spending commitments in response to current threats. The NATO homepage clearly states that the new spending commitments are designed to enhance collective defense capabilities and are to be enacted without delay.
Moreover, the claim lacks support from credible sources that would indicate a ten-year delay. The information provided by NATO itself is consistent and reliable, as it comes directly from the organization responsible for setting these policies. The strategic concept does lay out long-term goals but does not suggest postponement of the new spending target.
In evaluating the reliability of the sources, NATO's official communications are generally considered authoritative and trustworthy, given that they originate from the organization directly involved in defense policy and international security.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that NATO's new spending target won't take effect for a decade is false. The new spending commitments were agreed upon during the NATO Summit in June 2025 and are set to be implemented immediately, reflecting NATO's urgent response to current security challenges rather than a delayed timeline.
