Haia, 23 de junho de 2025 – A Organização do Tratado do Atlântico Norte (OTAN) anunciou, em coletiva The Hague, June 23, 2025 – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced, in a press conference led by Secretary-General Mark Rutte, a historic agreement to raise member countries’ military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, responding to a deteriorating global security environment. The decision, made on the eve of the Hague summit in the Netherlands, aims to bolster collective defense against threats, particularly from Russia, and support Ukraine in the ongoing war. Spain, however, negotiated flexibility to meet capability targets with a lower 2.1% share. Described as a “quantum leap,” the goal reflects U.S. pressure and the urgency to modernize allied forces. The plan includes increased production of munitions, armored vehicles, and air defenses, alongside closer industry cooperation.
Rutte’s press conference, held at 10:06 AM (Brasilia time), outlined NATO’s defense plans, which involve massive investments to counter Russian airstrikes on Ukraine and protect allied territories. He emphasized the confidentiality of details but shared specific priority areas. The agreement also reinforces commitment to Ukraine, with European and Canadian allies pledging over 35 billion euros in additional aid in the coming months.
- Key points addressed by Rutte:
- Raising military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.
- Need for fivefold increase in air defense capacity.
- Production of thousands of armored vehicles and millions of munitions.
- Collaboration with industry to meet defense demands.
- Continued support for Ukraine, with Zelensky attending the summit.
The announcement comes amid global tensions, with Russia identified as the primary threat to the alliance, supported by nations like Iran, North Korea, and China. The summit, starting tomorrow, will also include leaders from the Indo-Pacific and the European Union, broadening strategic dialogue.
A historic leap for collective defense
The decision to increase military spending to 5% of GDP marks one of NATO’s most ambitious moments. Rutte stressed that the plan is essential to deter threats and ensure the safety of one billion people across the 32 member states. He noted that the United States, already allocating 3.5% of GDP to defense, is close to the target, while others, like Spain, face challenges in meeting the set percentage.
The original proposal outlined 3.5% of GDP for direct military spending and 1.5% for related areas like cybersecurity and infrastructure. After intense negotiations, allies agreed to extend the deadline to 2035, giving budget-constrained nations more time to adjust. Pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump was a decisive factor, as he has criticized the U.S.’s reliance within the alliance.
In practice, the increase will require significant efforts. Countries like Poland and the Baltic states, already investing above 2% of GDP, are likely to approach the new target faster. Southern European nations, such as Portugal and Italy, plan to reach 2% by 2025 but hesitate on larger commitments due to fiscal constraints.
Spain’s exception and its implications
Spain, which allocated just 1.24% of GDP to defense in 2024, became a focal point of discussions. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez secured a flexibility clause, allowing the country to meet NATO’s capability goals with 2.1% of GDP. Rutte defended the decision, stating that all allies agreed to the final declaration and that Spain remains committed to alliance missions.
- Reasons for Spain’s flexibility:
- Domestic pressures: Sánchez faces a minority government and a corruption scandal, complicating budget increases.
- Regional priorities: Spain focuses on maritime security, border control, and counterterrorism.
- Welfare state: Raising spending to 5% would require cuts to social services or tax hikes, which Sánchez deems unfeasible.
Spain’s exception sparked questions. Journalists at the press conference, such as Luiz Tavares from Spanish TV, asked whether the decision might encourage other countries to seek exemptions. Rutte responded that NATO will conduct periodic reviews, with an evaluation scheduled for 2029, to ensure all allies meet their obligations.
Focus on Ukraine and global partnerships
Support for Ukraine dominated part of the press conference. Rutte announced that European and Canadian allies increased their aid from 20 billion to 35 billion euros in a few months, signaling solidarity with Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will attend meetings during the summit, reinforcing efforts to resolve the conflict.
Additionally, NATO plans to strengthen ties with Indo-Pacific partners, such as Japan and South Korea, and the European Union. The presence of leaders from these regions at the summit indicates a broader approach to addressing global challenges, including China’s influence and Middle East tensions.
Investments in innovation and defense industry
Another pillar of the plan is expanding the defense industrial base. Rutte highlighted the need to boost munitions and armored vehicle production to meet demand on both sides of the Atlantic. He urged a swift industry response, citing the urgency of innovation and supply security.
- Priority investment areas:
- Air defense: Fivefold capacity increase to counter attacks like Russia’s in Ukraine.
- Armored vehicles: Thousands of units to protect soldiers and maintain mobility.
- Munitions: Millions of units to ensure readiness against threats.
- Cybersecurity: Protection against increasingly frequent digital attacks.
- Logistics: Improvements in military mobility and naval infrastructure.
Industry collaboration also promises economic benefits. According to Rutte, investments will create jobs and drive technological innovation, particularly in countries with strong defense sectors, such as the United States, Germany, and France.
Challenges and criticism of the new target
Despite the consensus, the 5% target faces resistance. Some allies argue the percentage is disproportionate, especially for smaller economies. Spain, for instance, believes 2.1% suffices to meet its obligations, focusing on qualitative contributions like participation in international missions.
Critics also note that the increase could divert resources from areas like healthcare and education. In southern European countries, where the economic crisis still lingers, raising military spending is politically sensitive. Rutte acknowledged these concerns but insisted that security underpins prosperity.
A stronger and fairer NATO
Rutte concluded the press conference by emphasizing that the investments will make NATO not only stronger but also fairer, with a more equitable distribution of responsibilities. He stressed that the alliance does not aim to be more aggressive but rather prepared to respond to any threat. The Hague summit, starting Tuesday, will formalize the agreement and outline next steps.
Rutte’s message was clear: NATO is ready to face a more unstable world, with Russia as the primary challenge, while not ignoring other threats, such as Iran’s role in the Ukrainian conflict. The presence of Zelensky and global leaders at the summit underscores the mome
