Rutte proposes NATO defense spending increase to 3.5% GDP

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that alliance members increase defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, with an additional 1.5% allocated to broader security-related projects, in order to meet former U.S. President Donald Trump's call for a 5% target. The plan divides spending between traditional military needs and other areas such as infrastructure and cybersecurity, allowing countries to formally meet U.S. demands without committing to a politically challenging 5% solely for core defense. The proposal aims to address American concerns about burden-sharing while acknowledging the economic and political limitations faced by European nations and Canada. The details of what qualifies as broader security-related spending are still being discussed, with potential inclusions like road and bridge upgrades for military logistics. This approach is intended to foster continued unity within NATO and may enable the U.S. to declare a diplomatic victory at the upcoming summit in The Hague. Rutte has emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution of defense responsibilities within the alliance.