Dutch PM Rutte Advocates for NATO Defense Spending Increase to 5% GDP

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has called for NATO allies to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP during a session at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly in the U.S. The proposal marks a significant escalation from the alliance’s current 2% target and reflects growing geopolitical tensions.

The push follows sustained pressure from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who threatened to withdraw American protection unless allies increased military budgets. While initially dismissed, recent assessments of European readiness and escalating Russian aggression have shifted the debate.

Dutch Defense Minister Dick Schoof has separately proposed allocating 3.5% of GDP to direct military expenditure, with an additional 1.5% for related defense infrastructure. The proposals signal a potential watershed moment for NATO’s financial commitments as member states reassess security priorities.