Belgium has met NATO’s long-standing defence spending target, allocating exactly 2% of its GDP to defence last year, according to the alliance’s annual report.
All 32 NATO members have now reached the 2% benchmark, marking a significant rise in overall military spending. The target was first agreed in 2006 and reaffirmed at a 2014 summit in Wales, with a deadline of 2024. This is the first time Belgium has fulfilled the commitment, having spent around 1% of GDP on defence five years ago and 1.27% in 2024.
Belgium is not alone in hitting the mark. Countries including Albania, Canada, Spain and Portugal also reached exactly 2%, while Italy and the Czech Republic slightly exceeded it at 2.01%.
European NATO members and Canada together increased defence spending by 20% compared with 2024, reaching more than $574 billion. Including the United States, total NATO defence spending surpassed $1.4 trillion.
The rise follows years of pressure from former US President Donald Trump on allies to boost military budgets. Despite this, US defence spending as a share of GDP fell slightly from 3.30% to 3.19%, though it remains by far the largest contributor in absolute terms.
NATO leaders have since agreed to raise the target further. By 2035, members aim to spend 5% of GDP, with 3.5% on defence and 1.5% on related support measures.
© BELGA PHOTO JULIEN WARNAND
