August 28, 2025
RED FM News Desk
According to data released by NATO on Thursday, all 32 of its members are projected to finally meet the long-standing goal of spending two percent of their total GDP on defense this year. However, only three members are expected to meet the new goal of 3.5% of GDP that was agreed upon in June.
The push for higher defense spending is a direct result of Russia’s war in Ukraine, which has created significant security concerns across Europe. It also comes as a response to pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly accused European allies of not investing enough in their own security. Trump has warned Europeans that Washington might not defend those who fail to meet their commitments.
For the first time ever, all 32 alliance members are expected to reach the two percent goal this year. This marks a significant change from 2023, when only 10 allies met that benchmark, according to a NATO report.
At the summit in June, alliance members agreed to increase defense spending from two to 3.5%. They also committed to spending an additional 1.5% of GDP on other measures, such as upgrading roads, bridges, ports, and airfields to better deploy armies, establishing measures to counter cyber and hybrid attacks, and preparing societies for future conflict.
The countries with the highest expenditures are the eastern European nations, who have a bitter history with Moscow. Poland’s spending this year is projected to reach 4.5% of GDP, while Lithuania’s will be 4% and Latvia’s will be 3.7%.
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