At the Hague summit, Donald Trump shifted tone — backing Nato’s collective defence and celebrating a new 5% GDP defence spending target
The commitment splits into 3.5% for troops and weapons, and 1.5% for infrastructure, cybersecurity, and energy security upgrades
While Poland spends over 4% of GDP on defence, Spain spends just 1.28%. Some members, like Spain, oppose the 5% goal
The US contributes two-thirds of Nato’s defence budget. Trump’s approval, secured with political flattery, remains vital to Nato unity
With Russia’s defence spending at 7% of GDP, critics say Nato’s 2035 goal may be too far off to help Ukraine now
Nato’s credibility rests not on pledges alone, but on how quickly members act — especially as war rages in Europe’s east