US Pushes NATO to Raise Defense Spending as Ukraine Debate Looms

The United States is intensifying pressure on NATO allies to finalize an agreement on significantly increasing defense spending ahead of the summit in The Hague on June 24–25. The US, under strong leadership, is calling for member countries to commit 5% of their GDP to defense.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed a compromise: 3.5% of GDP directed at essential military capabilities by 2032, and an additional 1.5% towards broader security priorities, such as infrastructure.

“We’re continuing the efforts launched under President Trump, aiming for a 5% defense spending commitment across NATO,” said US representative Pete Hegseth at a NATO meeting in Brussels. He emphasized the need for combat-ready and capable forces and reaffirmed NATO’s central mission of continental defense.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Rutte is likely to secure agreement on his proposal at the upcoming summit, although some nations remain cautious. Spain has been the most resistant, only expected to meet NATO’s current target of 2% of GDP by year-end. Some member states are seeking extended timelines and revisions to the annual increase requirement of 0.2 percentage points.

Rutte’s plan, however, is seen as a workable middle ground, allowing the US to claim a political victory while offering flexibility to European allies with tighter budgets. The US supports the proposal but insists on clear implementation plans, including detailed budgets and timelines.

Meanwhile, NATO defense ministers are preparing to approve new capability requirements, particularly in response to the growing threat from Russia. Officials estimate these enhancements will cost each country between 3.5% and 3.7% of GDP.

Hegseth, known for his direct style, previously warned that the US could reduce its presence in Europe to focus more on the strategic challenge posed by China. Though no troop withdrawal has been announced, the uncertainty continues to concern NATO partners.

Another complex issue ahead of the summit is Ukraine’s participation. The US has scaled back its engagement with Kyiv, and Hegseth notably skipped a recent meeting of Ukraine’s supporters. European allies are pushing for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the summit in The Hague as a show of unity, but NATO has only confirmed Ukraine will be represented  without naming who will attend.