THE HAGUE – US President Donald Trump struck a cooperative tone at NATO’s annual summit on Wednesday, endorsing a plan for member states to gradually increase their defence spending.
In closing remarks, Trump applauded the alliance for reaching a tentative accord to raise military contributions to five per cent of gross domestic product by 2035. “This is a fair deal,” Trump stated. “Every member will carry their weight.”
NATO officials had spent the past two days locked in tense negotiations over the scale and timing of the hike, with several European countries expressing reluctance. Diplomats say the compromise plan—which outlines phased targets and allows for infrastructure and security investments to count toward spending goals—helped bridge differences.
Despite earlier warnings from Spain about the economic burden of higher contributions, most leaders emerged satisfied with the outcome. Eastern European members, especially those sharing borders with Russia, welcomed the increased commitment, calling it vital for regional stability.
Analysts noted Trump’s more measured rhetoric at this summit compared to past encounters, viewing it as an effort to demonstrate unity as geopolitical challenges grow.
With this new roadmap in place, NATO leaders plan to revisit progress annually and fine-tune requirements if needed—a sign that alliance leaders want to balance ambition with realism as they bolster collective defence.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.
