Published on 07/07/2026 – 11:14 GMT+2
NATO allies falling short of the 5% GDP defense spending target will face direct pressure from fellow member states, Dutch Defence Minister Dilan Yeşilgöz-Zegerius has stated during an interview with Euronews.
The upcoming NATO summit in Ankara will focus heavily on announcements of substantial defense investment commitments, with allies expected to unveil initiatives costing hundreds of billions of euros.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has emphasized the need for allies to convert pledged spending into tangible capabilities, including Patriot defense systems, advanced drone technologies, and ammunition stockpiles. “In Ankara, I expect nations to present clear, concrete, and credible plans to achieve this 5 percent target,” Rutte declared at a pre-summit press conference. “We will announce tens of billions in new contracts that will deliver the essential equipment needed to deter and defend.”
In 2025, core defense expenditure across Europe and Canada increased by $139 billion (€122 billion) in a single year, marking a 20% surge in defense spending.
While the majority of NATO members now demonstrate a feasible pathway toward meeting spending targets, three allies—Albania, Czechia, and Slovenia—have yet to reach the previous 2% benchmark and will be subject to increased scrutiny at the summit.
“Last year in The Hague, we made many promises. But promises are only meaningful if they are fulfilled,” Zegerius said. “Today, I hope to see real delivery from my colleagues. Those who are not delivering will face my direct engagement, as this collective effort demands shared responsibility.”
The Dutch minister underscored the urgency of unified defense readiness, stating, “Defeating the Russian threat on the European continent requires every ally to step up. As you know, we face an ongoing war on our own soil. Our adversary is advancing toward us—Putin himself—and it is imperative that we demonstrate the capability to resist.”
