NATO members have agreed to increase their annual defense spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035, as announced in a declaration following a high-level summit in The Hague. The plan allocates 3.5 percent for core defense and 1.5 percent for related areas like infrastructure, networks, and defense industries. A review will take place in 2029 to adjust for strategic changes.
U.S. President Donald Trump praised the agreement, calling it a major win for the United States and claiming credit for the outcome. He criticized Spain for not committing fully to the target, warning of possible trade repercussions. Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had earlier stated that Spain would cap its defense spending at 2.1 percent, arguing that rushing to 5 percent could hurt other sectors like education and technology.
To reassure European allies, Trump reaffirmed NATO’s collective defense pledge and emphasized that while the U.S. would remain involved, especially in intelligence and military support, European countries must take more responsibility for their own security and support to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte echoed this, noting that Europe will bear a larger share of military aid to Ukraine.
Credit: CGTN
You can listen to the programs organized by MI Radio on Google Podcast, Apple Podcast and Spotify.
You can download MI Radio application on Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
