Belgium meets NATO’s 2 per cent defence spending target
Belgium has met NATO’s long-standing defence spending target, allocating exactly 2 per cent of its GDP to defence last year, according to the alliance’s annual report.
All 32 NATO members have now reached the benchmark, marking a significant rise in overall military spending. The target was first agreed in 2006 and reaffirmed at a 2014 summit in Wales, with a deadline of 2024. This is the first time Belgium has fulfilled the commitment, having spent around 1 per cent of GDP on defence five years ago and 1.27 per cent in 2024.
Belgium is not alone in hitting the mark. Countries including Albania, Canada, Spain and Portugal also reached exactly 2 per cent, while Italy and the Czech Republic slightly exceeded it at 2.01 per cent
European NATO members and Canada together increased defence spending by 20 per cent compared with 2024, reaching more than 574 billion dollars. Including the United States, total NATO defence spending surpassed 1.4 trillion dollars.
The rise follows years of pressure from US president Donald Trump on allies to boost military budgets. Despite this, US defence spending as a share of GDP fell slightly from 3.30 to 3.19 per cent, though it remains by far the largest contributor in absolute terms.
NATO leaders have since agreed to raise the target further. By 2035, members aim to spend 5 per cent of GDP, with 3.5 per cent on defence and 1.5 per cent on related support measures.
© BELGA PHOTO JULIEN WARNAND