Frederiksen: NATO Spending Target Too Late
- Lithuania—Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is advocating for a more aggressive timeline to increase defense spending among NATO members.
- Frederiksen addressed the proposal to reach 5% of GDP in defense and security spending by 2032, a target previously set by former U.S.
- "I hope that during the NATO summit in The Hague (from June 24 to 26), we will agree on 3.5 percent for the armed forces and 1.5 percent...
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen demands a faster increase in NATO defence spending, considering the current timeline insufficient, notably in light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict.She seeks to expedite the process, pushing for a 3.5% allocation of GDP to armed forces and an additional 1.5% to broader defense-related spending, as advocated by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. As 2019,denmark has considerably increased its defense spending,underscoring the urgency for all allies to meet and exceed targets. News Directory 3 provides thorough coverage of these developments. The upcoming NATO summit in The Hague presents a crucial opportunity for member states to formally address these pressing matters. Discover what’s next for global security.
Denmark Calls for Faster NATO Defense Spending increase
Updated June 3, 2025
Lithuania—Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen is advocating for a more aggressive timeline to increase defense spending among NATO members. Her comments came during a meeting with Nordic and Baltic NATO allies.
Frederiksen addressed the proposal to reach 5% of GDP in defense and security spending by 2032, a target previously set by former U.S. President Donald Trump. She stated that the current timeline is not sufficient.
“I hope that during the NATO summit in The Hague (from June 24 to 26), we will agree on 3.5 percent for the armed forces and 1.5 percent on broader defense-related spending,” Frederiksen told Danish broadcaster DR.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has suggested a plan for member nations to allocate 3.5% of their GDP to direct defense spending and an additional 1.5% to broader security expenditures by 2032.
Frederiksen emphasized the need for increased defense spending, noting Denmark’s progress since she took office in 2019. The Ukraine conflict has further highlighted the need for increased security and defense spending.
“When I became prime minister, we dedicated 1.3 percent of GDP to defense,” Frederiksen said. “Now we spend more than three percent, but that’s not enough. We need to increase defense spending in the years to come.”
What’s next
The NATO summit in The Hague later this month will be a key opportunity for member states to discuss and potentially agree on revised defense spending targets and timelines.