Several European leaders and a representative from the European Union recently affirmed the need for increased defense spending, citing Russia’s ongoing aggression in Ukraine and the anticipated policies of the incoming Trump administration as key factors.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis suggested that the 2% GDP defense spending target may no longer be sufficient, although he and other leaders at a summit in Finland refrained from proposing a specific alternative.
“We need to spend more than 2%,” Mitsotakis stated, adding that a final figure would be determined following discussions with the new US president.
The summit, hosted by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, included participation from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas.
The leaders addressed reports that President-elect Donald Trump plans to raise NATO’s defense spending goal from 2% to 5%, a move that would necessitate significant spending increases from all member nations, including the United States.
The Trump transition team did not respond to inquiries about whether this 5% target would apply to all NATO members, including the U.S.
However, a spokesperson stated that President Trump believes European nations should meet their NATO obligations and increase their contributions, arguing that the U.S. has disproportionately shouldered the burden. The spokesperson emphasized Trump’s commitment to restoring peace and American strength.
Uncertainty remains regarding whether increased defense spending would receive support from all Republican lawmakers, given existing internal divisions within the party regarding spending priorities and aid to Ukraine.
NATO leaders at the summit expressed a need for caution regarding unsubstantiated claims about the incoming Trump administration.
“I would wait to understand the new president’s intentions,” Meloni commented. “We know we must do more in NATO, and our actions will depend on available resources.”
The Finnish prime minister similarly emphasized Europe’s need for greater security responsibility, advocating for stronger leadership within both the EU and NATO.
“Russia is consolidating power and sowing discord,” Orpo noted, highlighting geopolitical challenges in the Middle East and North Africa.
Kristersson underscored the importance of increased defense spending to reduce European dependence on the U.S. and demonstrate a serious commitment to defense.
“European countries need to strengthen their defenses, both individually and collectively,” he stated.
Trump previously urged NATO members to meet the 2% spending pledge, resulting in an increase in compliant allies from five in 2016 to nine in 2020.
This number declined to six after Trump left office in 2021.
However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, NATO members once again increased defense spending, reaching a record high of 23 out of 32 nations meeting the 2% target by 2024.
Poland currently exceeds 4% GDP in defense spending, while four other nations—Estonia, the U.S., Latvia, and Greece—spend over 3%.
Croatia, Portugal, Italy, Canada, Belgium, Luxembourg, Slovenia, and Spain have yet to meet their defense spending commitments.