NATO weighs inclusion of cybersecurity in new 5% defense spending target
As geopolitical pressures mount, NATO is weighing a transformative shift in how defence spending is defined, potentially reshaping the alliance’s financial commitments for decades to come.
NATO is discussing proposals to broaden the scope of defence-related expenditures to help member states meet a proposed spending target of 5% of GDP. According to Bloomberg, the target includes 3.5% for traditional defence spending and 1.5% for related activities.
The 1.5% portion may include cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure, border and coastal security, space-related initiatives, and the work of non-defence intelligence agencies. Some member states are also advocating for the inclusion of counter-terrorism efforts and dual-use infrastructure, pending agreement among the alliance.
The proposals are currently under negotiation and are expected to be discussed further by NATO’s policy and planning committee. These discussions will inform a framework to be considered at the alliance’s summit in June.
A final decision on the classification of eligible expenditures has not yet been made, according to the reports, and remains subject to consensus among member states. NATO has not responded publicly to inquiries regarding the ongoing negotiations.
The 5% figure was originally proposed by former US President Donald Trump and was initially viewed as an ambitious benchmark. Recent reporting suggests, however, that a growing number of member states now recognise the need for increased defence investments. As of April, 23 out of 32 NATO members had met the current 2% defence spending guideline, with all expected to do so by the summer.
Would you like to learn more about AI, tech and digital diplomacy? If so, ask our Diplo chatbot!