NATO Secretary General Demands Clear Defense Spending Plan Ahead of Ankara Summit
NATO's Secretary General Rite has called on member states to present a clear plan for increasing defense spending ahead of the alliance's summit in Ankara, as some countries still lag behind previous targets.
A two-day NATO summit is set to begin Tuesday in Ankara, Turkey, at a critical time when the United States is reducing its role in European security and demanding greater contributions from allies.
Last year, 32 NATO countries agreed to allocate 5% of their GDP to defense, with 3.5% for defense budgets and 1.5% for infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and ports to enable faster movement of troops and equipment in times of conflict.
Spain supported the goal but argued it could meet NATO security requirements without such high spending. Several NATO members have yet to reach the alliance's previous target of 2% of GDP on defense.
When asked what awaits allies without a clear plan, Rite responded: "If one or two countries still need convincing, we have ways to do that."
Last week, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker warned that the United States has something prepared for those not increasing defense spending, but declined to elaborate.
Regarding European allies and Canada, Rite acknowledged that "the indicators we have seen so far are impressive." According to NATO estimates, they will collectively spend $258 billion (€226 billion) more on defense in 2025 and this year than in previous years.
However, this may not satisfy the administration of US President Donald Trump. Trump has repeatedly criticized allies for insufficient defense spending and threatened not to defend any NATO member that fails to do enough for its own security. He has also criticized allies for inadequate support in the US and Israel's war with Iran.
