Historic decision at NATO Summit

‘The NATO countries stand united in their commitment to protect each other. We are contending with the most challenging security situation since the Second World War. Thus it is necessary to increase defence expenditures to strengthen the armed forces of each country as well as the readiness of the alliance as a whole. I am pleased that the member states have reached consensus on this,’ said Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.

The declaration points to the threats posed by Russia and terrorism as key reasons behind the decision now being taken by the NATO countries to strengthen their defence capabilities. Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine serves to highlight the importance of this.

‘NATO poses no threat to anyone, but it is crucial that we work together to maintain a credible deterrence posture against Russia. The investments that the NATO Allies will now be making will ensure that we collectively have the forces, equipment, infrastructure and resilience that we need to deal with the threat we are facing,’ said Mr Støre.

The NATO countries have committed to invest 5 % of GDP annually on defence and security spending by 2035. At least 3.5 % of GDP will be allocated to strengthen core defence capabilities, while 1.5 % will be allocated to defence and security-related investment in the civilian sector to support military capabilities and increase resilience.

In the declaration the NATO member countries reaffirm their commitment to rapidly expanding transatlantic defence industrial cooperation. They will also work to eliminate defence trade barriers among Allies.