Every NATO ally must invest at least five % of GDP for defense, US diplomats say

Separations at the level of five percent of GDP for defense spending by NATO members will not only be their promise, but an obligation, sources in the US mission at the Alliance have briefed a meeting of the Defense Ministers in the Brussels Country Ministers.

– Peace through strengthening requires nothing less than the same contribution of all allies. Every ally must commit to investing at least five percent of GDP in defense and security starting now- diplomatic sources say, pointing out that this is not a suggestion, but is the basis for deterring a world where threats are constantly growing.

According to them, until the recently set NATO’s goal of separating two percent of GDP for defense needs was a distant goal for most allies, but today US President Donald Trump’s leadership has led to the transformation of access to the alliance’s burden.

Regarding the proposal of NATO Secretary -General Mark Rutte, the increase in the level of defense costs of five % of GDP to be realized by 2032, US diplomats say the threats facing the Alliance are rising and its opponents will certainly not wait for the Allies to be able to make the first. of five percent. « 

– We want all allies to increase their budgets as much as they can and can. It is not a time limit set by the United States, but our opponents and their ability to wage war against the Alliance- diplomats emphasize.

They point out that since November last year, over 20 NATO member states have announced an increase in defense budgets, after which the United States expects the defense costs of all allies this year to be at least two percent of GDP.

– Progress is good, but not enough. This ministerial meeting is more than figures, it is about building NATO. NATO that is ready to deter and deal with any threat- conventional, nuclear, cyber or hybrids- Diplomatic sources in the US mission at the Alliance say.

According to them, NATO needs modernized and capable of forces, strengthening the collective defense industrial base for the production of more ammunition, anti -aircraft defense and armored tools and to strengthen the power to wage war.

In addition, diplomats say, these increased defense separation will result in job creation and production plants, ensuring both enhanced security and increased prosperity in both the United States and Europe.

According to them, the urgency of taking such steps has been caused by the conflict in Ukraine and from Moscow’s visible preparations for its next move.

– The goal of the Kremlin is to rebuild its army. NATO allies must overcome Russia. We have no other choice. Now is the time. This means investing in the mobility of the border control forces, in cyber defense, deterring attacks and protecting the entire infrastructure – from devices in space to underground cables. We need an alliance built for the threats of 2025 and in the future, not for the battlefields of the past- diplomatic sources added.

They point out that tomorrow’s ministerial meeting is a chance to harmonize the obligations and the United States expects each member states to come up with concrete plans, budgets, time deadlines and results for achieving « 5 percent ».

– The NATO Summit in The Hague will be a moment to complete these obligations. Now is the time when we can make NATO stronger. We are crystal clear. We are determined to defend every centimeter from the Allied territory and we will do so from a position of unmatched force – sources in the US mission at NATO said.

They emphasize that the United States is committed to NATO, but also consider it reasonable for other allies to be committed to their individual, but also of collective defense and fulfilling its obligations.

« The United States remains committed to NATO and we will continue to be a credible and serious partner in the Alliance, » diplomats added.