More than 20 of 32 NATO allies spending at least 2% of GDP on defense, Stoltenberg says

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has announced that more than 20 of the 32 NATO allies are now spending at least 2% of their GDP on defense. This announcement comes as NATO members meet in Vilnius, Lithuania, for their annual summit. Stoltenberg said that this increase in defense spending is “the biggest investment in our collective defense since the Cold War,” and represents a significant commitment to deterring potential adversaries. The 2% target was originally agreed upon by NATO members in 2014, in response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea. However, many members, including the United States, have struggled to meet this target. The recent increase in defense spending is likely due to a number of factors, including the ongoing war in Ukraine, growing concerns about China’s military expansion, and the rise of other global threats. Stoltenberg praised the “commitment” of NATO members to meet the 2% target, but also emphasized the importance of continued investment in defense. He stated that “we need to continue to invest in our defense, and we need to make sure that we are ready to deter any attack, and to defend our territory and our population.” While the announcement is a positive development for NATO, it remains unclear whether all member states will be able to sustain these increased spending levels in the long term. The ongoing economic challenges facing many countries could make it difficult to maintain these commitments, particularly as global inflation continues to rise.

Summary

"The increase in defense spending by NATO allies is a significant development that reflects the changing security landscape. However, it remains to be seen if these increased spending levels can be sustained in the long term, given the economic challenges facing many countries."