No exceptions to increased NATO spending target, says secretary-general
NATO’s updated defence spending target includes no formal exceptions for member states, including Spain, according to NATO secretary-general Mark Rutte. Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the Dutchman said the alliance does not make side deals or allow carve-outs.
The defence target, due to be finalised at the summit on Tuesday and Wednesday, calls for NATO countries to spend 5 per cent of GDP on defence by 2035 — 3.5 per cent directly on military capabilities and 1.5 per cent on related areas, such as cybersecurity and resilience to disinformation.
Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez previously described the proposed increase as “unreasonable and counterproductive” for Spain. According to media reports, a softer formulation of the goal was negotiated on Sunday. Still, Rutte made clear that no state was granted an exception.
The proposed 5 per cent norm is essential, Rutte argued, to defend NATO’s one billion citizens. Though precise allocations remain classified, he highlighted key needs: “We need a five-fold increase in air defence capacity, thousands of additional tanks and armoured vehicles, and millions more artillery shells.”
He stressed that the new defence goals will be subject to annual reporting and regular reviews, marking a significant shift from the largely unenforced 2 per cent target agreed in 2014. He also confirmed there would be a full evaluation of the commitments in 2029.
On Russia, Rutte said that it "remains the greatest threat to our alliance". He also reaffirmed NATO’s long-term commitment to Ukraine: “Ukraine is on an irreversible path to NATO. That will still be the case when this summit ends on Thursday.”
Rutte was also asked about recent U.S. airstrikes in Iran. While he declined to elaborate, he said he “could not agree” with those who claim the attacks violated international law. He stressed that all 32 NATO member states share the view that Iran must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, but added that Iran will not be a priority topic at the summit.
PHOTO © JOHN THYS / AFP
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