Then one would reach US President Donald Trump's demand to allocate five percent of GDP.
The proposal could mean a win for Trump, while the European countries and do not commit to allocating five percent of GDP solely to basic defense expenditures. It is something that many see as unfeasible both economically and politically.
Nato has today as a goal that the countries that are part of the defense alliance should allocate at least two percent of their GDP to defense. 22 of the 32 member countries meet that goal. But many Nato leaders no longer see it as a sufficient goal, due to Russia being perceived as a greater threat since the large-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
However, one would need to be reached on what should be included in the broader category of defense-related expenditures. Sources state that upgrading roads and bridges for heavy military vehicles to pass through could be part of the category.
Nato does not respond concretely to whether Rutte presented the proposal, but spokesperson Allison Hart says that Rutte "has repeatedly said that increased defense expenditures are needed".
In June, a Nato meeting will be held, and then the question of increased expenditures is expected to be raised.
