NATO Summit to endorse 5% of GDP defence spending target, says Secretary General Rutte

“We meet at a truly historic moment, with significant and growing challenges to our security,” Rutte said on Monday, 23 June. “As the world becomes more dangerous, Allied leaders will take bold decisions to strengthen our collective defence, making NATO a stronger, a fairer and a more lethal Alliance.”

Central to the Summit will be the approval of a new defence investment plan, raising the benchmark for national defence spending to 5% of GDP. This move will coincide with efforts to boost NATO’s defence industrial capacity, aiming to enhance security and stimulate employment across the Alliance.

Describing the plan as “decisive” for deterrence, Rutte highlighted classified capability targets, including a five-fold increase in air defences, expansion of armoured assets, and a significant boost in ammunition supplies. These steps, he stated, are essential “to help keep NATO’s one billion citizens safe.”

Speaking ahead of the NATO Summit Defence Industry Forum on Tuesday, Rutte emphasised the urgent need to collaborate with industry to meet rising defence demands. “There is not nearly enough supply to meet our increased demand on either side of the Atlantic,” he warned, adding, “By investing more and producing more, we build a stronger NATO.”

The Summit will also focus on deepening cooperation with partners, including Ukraine, Indo-Pacific nations, and the European Union. On Ukraine, Rutte reiterated NATO’s firm stance: “We must continue to make sure Ukraine has what it needs to defend today and deter in the future. Our support for Ukraine is unwavering and will persist,” he affirmed.