NATO leaders propose 5% defense investment by member states

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte participated in a meeting with NATO defense ministers in Brussels, focusing on increasing defensive resources, forces, and capabilities. During the meeting, the ministers proposed a plan for member nations to invest 5% of their GDP in defense annually to strengthen defensive capabilities. This initiative aims to make NATO a more potent and fair alliance, ensuring readiness for future security challenges. The proposal received support from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who emphasized the importance of reaching the 5% defense spending goal across all NATO members. The plan, if approved at the upcoming NATO Summit, would require countries to allocate 3.5% of GDP to core defense spending and an additional 1.5% to defense and security investments, including infrastructure. The NATO-Ukraine Council also reaffirmed support for Ukraine and highlighted the importance of nuclear deterrence in maintaining security. Additionally, U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Alexus Grynkewich was nominated by President Trump to lead combined U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, pending approval at the Summit.