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NATO Ministers Weigh U.S. Push for 5% Defense Spending as June Summit Nears

Germany signals support for the U.S. proposal, while NATO Secretary-General Rutte offers a compromise blending military and infrastructure investments.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy speaks to journalists during a press conference in Kyiv, Ukraine, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka)
Greece's Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis speaks with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, at NEST International Convention Center, in Antalya, Turkey May 15, 2025. REUTERS/Umit Bektas
Secretary of State Marco Rubio departs a lunch between President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Amiri Diwan in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

Overview

  • NATO foreign ministers are negotiating a U.S. proposal to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2032, citing threats from Russia, terrorism, and China.
  • Germany has expressed support for the 5% target, with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul affirming Berlin's commitment in principle.
  • Secretary-General Mark Rutte has proposed a compromise of 3.5% for core military budgets and 1.5% for defense-related infrastructure projects.
  • Currently, 22 of the 32 NATO member states meet the existing 2% GDP defense spending guideline established in 2023, but several lag behind.
  • A final decision on defense spending targets is expected during the NATO summit in the Netherlands on June 24–25.