Should NATO Boost Defence Spending for Enhanced Security?
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Synopsis
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stresses the imperative for increased defence spending during the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Ljubljana. As European allies and Canada aim to align their budgets with the U.S., the call for a 5% GDP commitment by 2035 raises critical questions about global security and military readiness.
Key Takeaways
- Increased defence spending is crucial for NATO’s collective security.
- NATO aims for a 5% GDP commitment by 2035.
- Current spending by most members is below 3% of GDP.
- Resolutions focus on deterrence and support for Ukraine.
- Investment in emerging technologies is prioritized.
Ljubljana, Oct 14 (NationPress) NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized the urgent need for increased defence expenditure to bolster security, as the alliance gears up to achieve its goal of amplifying collective defence investments.
Speaking at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in Ljubljana, Rutte stated that European nations and Canada "are currently on a path" to align their defence budgets more closely with that of the United States.
"This is essential to safeguard the Atlantic, the Arctic, Europe, and the United States," Rutte remarked, highlighting that member states have pledged to allocate 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defence by 2035, which includes 3.5 percent for fundamental defence needs.
Currently, the majority of NATO's 32 members invest less than 3 percent of their GDP on defence, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The four-day annual session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, which serves as a consultative body for lawmakers from member and partner nations, wrapped up on Monday in Ljubljana with 245 delegates present.
The assembly passed six resolutions advocating for greater resilience against external interference, enhanced deterrence and defence, deeper transatlantic economic and security collaboration, improved stability in the Western Balkans, ongoing support for Ukraine, and preparedness for future uncrewed warfare.
Delegates called for increased investments in air and missile defence systems, stricter sanctions on Russia, additional funding for emerging technologies like drones, and more robust actions against hybrid threats.
Point of View
It is our duty to recognize that NATO's call for enhanced defence spending reflects the increasing global security challenges we face. It is essential for member nations to collaborate and invest in collective defence to ensure the safety of their citizens and maintain stability in a rapidly changing world.
NationPress
14/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is NATO calling for higher defence spending?
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has highlighted the need for increased defence spending to better prepare against emerging global threats and to align European allies' budgets with that of the United States.
What is the target for defence spending by NATO members?
NATO members have committed to invest 5% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence by 2035, including 3.5% for core defence expenditures.
How many NATO members currently meet the spending target?
Most of NATO's 32 members currently spend less than 3% of their GDP on defence.
What resolutions were adopted by the NATO Parliamentary Assembly?
The assembly adopted six resolutions focusing on resilience against foreign interference, enhanced deterrence and defence, support for Ukraine, and readiness for future warfare.
What technologies are being prioritized for investment?
NATO delegates called for more funding for air and missile defence capabilities, as well as emerging technologies such as drones.
