According to the latest annual report published on Thursday, March 26, NATO member states’ military spending has significantly increased since 2015, showing a 38% rise in volume, once adjusted for inflation, between 2014 and 2025.
– This increase is mainly attributed to the rise in non-US members’ defense spending within the Alliance. – Their share has increased from 27% of the total defense expenditure in 2014 to 41% in 2025. – The military spending growth of European countries and Canada has been particularly high, exceeding 19% per year in 2024 and 2025.
When looking at individual countries, it is observed that all Alliance members have met the goal of dedicating 2% of their GDP to defense as set in 2014.
– Countries closest to Russia, such as Poland, the Baltic states, and Nordic countries allocate the most resources to defense. – France now ranks among the members with the lowest defense expenditure, alongside Belgium and other Southern European countries (Spain, Italy, and Portugal).
Between 2014 and 2025, the Baltic states, Nordic countries, and Poland have seen the greatest increase in their defense spending as a share of GDP.
– Conversely, France and the UK have shown minimal growth in this area, while the US is the only NATO country where it has decreased.
The goal for NATO member states’ military spending has been raised to 5% of GDP by 2025, with 3.5% for defense and 1.5% for peripheral defense-related expenses.
– Several countries, including Poland and Estonia, are expected to reach this target by 2026.
These developments occur amid uncertainty about the US commitment to NATO. On March 27, Donald Trump stated that the US is not obligated to be present at NATO’s sides, mentioning the European allies’ lack of support in their conflict with Iran.
