Almost half of NATO countries fail to meet defense spending targets

Of the 32 NATO member states, 14 are falling short of the defense spending target of 2% of GDP, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

According to the institute, based on 2024 figures, the standard level of military spending was not adopted by, in particular, Canada (1.3% of GDP), Belgium (1.3%), Spain (1.4%), Italy (1.6%), Germany (1.9%), the Netherlands (1.9%), and the Czech Republic (1.9%).

SIPRI highlights that NATO's defense spending accounts for 55% of the world's total. The alliance's total spending amounts to $1.5 trillion, which is 8.9% more than in 2023 and 31% more than in 2015. In relative terms, Lithuania has increased its defense budget the most among NATO countries (+272% over the past ten years).

The defense spending target of at least 2% of GDP is currently met by 18 out of 32 members of the alliance. This is 7 countries more than in 2023.

However, in early 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the 2% of GDP norm no longer corresponds to the current risks faced by alliance members. In his opinion, the new target should be at least 3% of GDP.