Details remain to be finalized, such as the deadline for reaching the target and the definitions for both spending categories.
Rutte proposed a 2032 deadline for the new spending goal, but Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur argued that 2032 is too distant. He suggested allies should aim to reach 5 percent within five years instead. This perspective is shared by other frontline states concerned about a potential Russian threat.
Members will need to demonstrate plans for annual increases to illustrate their progress towards the new objective, Rutte informed reporters.
Achieving a 30 percent increase in capabilities will demand significant funding, especially since some nations have yet to meet previous goals set in 2021. The Dutch government estimated that compliance would necessitate an additional €19 billion annually, beyond the current 2 percent of GDP defense budget.
Most efforts must be concentrated in the next five to 10 years, though the goals cover the next twenty years and will be reviewed every four years, according to a senior NATO official.
Before Thursday’s meeting, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that Germany will need to increase its active-duty soldiers by 50,000 to 60,000, from its current strength of 182,000, to meet NATO’s new objectives.
Chris Lunday, Csongor Körömi, and Paul McLeary contributed reporting.
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