Rogers applauds agreement to raise NATO spending commitments to five percent of GDP

June 25, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Mike Rogers (R-AL03) praised NATO's decision to set a new increase in defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) spending by 2035.

"NATO's decision to raise its defense spending commitment to 5% of GDP is a vital response to the growing threat posed by Vladimir Putin and the deepening cooperation among Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea," said Chairman Rogers. "Front-line allies like Poland and the Baltic states were already pulling their weight, and now the long-overdue investments pledged by other European and Canadian allies will strengthen the Alliance significantly. President Trump was right to insist that our Allies shoulder a greater share of our collective defense-and his leadership was critical to making it happen. Ultimately, a more lethal NATO, backed by continued U.S. leadership and real burden sharing, will deter our adversaries, preserve peace, and advance America's national interest."

The landmark decision that reshapes the future of transatlantic security, NATO member states have agreed to raise their defense spending target to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035, more than doubling the previous benchmark of 2%. The move comes amid rising global tensions and sustained pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has long criticized European allies for underinvesting in collective defense.

The agreement was announced at the NATO summit in The Hague, where leaders from all 32 member nations signed a joint declaration reaffirming their "ironclad commitment to collective defense" under Article 5 of the NATO treaty.

A New Standard for Defense

Under the new framework, member states will be required to allocate:

- 3.5% of GDP to core military spending, including personnel, equipment, and operations.

- 1.5% of GDP to defense-related infrastructure and resilience measures, such as cybersecurity, energy security, and civil preparedness.

Each country must submit annual plans outlining a credible path to reach the 5% target by 2035. The alliance will conduct a formal review in 2029 to assess progress and adjust for evolving threats.

Trump's Influence and Strategic Calculus

President Trump hailed the agreement as a personal victory. "I've been asking them to go up to 5% for a number of years, and they're going up to 5%," he told reporters. "From 2%, and a lot of people didn't even pay the 2%. So I think that's going to be very big news".

While Trump's demands were initially met with skepticism, the ongoing war in Ukraine, instability in the Middle East, and concerns over China's global ambitions have shifted the political calculus in Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the agreement a "quantum leap in our collective defense".

Not Without Resistance

Despite the show of unity, not all members are fully on board. Spain has publicly stated it will not meet the 5% target, calling it "unreasonable" given domestic economic constraints. Belgium and Slovakia have also expressed reservations, though they signed the declaration with caveats.

French President Emmanuel Macron voiced concern over the financial burden, especially in light of U.S. trade tariffs. "You cannot come to us as allies and ask that we spend more, and then do a trade war. It's an aberration," he said.

Strategic Implications

The spending hike is expected to inject hundreds of billions of dollars into NATO's defense posture over the next decade. Analysts say it will bolster deterrence against Russia, modernize aging military infrastructure, and expand NATO's capabilities in cyber and space domains.

Critics, however, warn that the increased spending could strain national budgets and divert funds from social programs. Others question whether the 5% target is sustainable or politically viable in the long term.

Looking Ahead

With the new target set, NATO now faces the challenge of implementation. The alliance must balance ambition with pragmatism, ensuring that increased spending translates into real-world readiness and cohesion.

As Secretary General Rutte put it, "This is not just about numbers-it's about credibility, capability, and commitment."