Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys urged NATO leaders to at least double the defense spending target at the upcoming summit this summer. Speaking at the NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Brussels on Thursday, Budrys stated that the current defense spending level is insufficient to meet the challenges ahead.
Budrys emphasized the need for increased defense investment, stating that it is essential to ensure NATO remains a strong defensive alliance. "In order to build the capabilities necessary for NATO's defense, Europe must double its defense funding," he said. "For the Hague summit, we need to set a target of at least 4 percent of GDP, up from the current 2 percent."
Highlighting Lithuania's commitment, Budrys pointed out that his country has increased its defense spending tenfold over the past decade. "We have made significant progress, but more is needed to meet our future goals," he added.
At last year’s NATO summit in Washington, leaders acknowledged that over two-thirds of allies had met the 2 percent defense spending commitment, but reiterated the need for higher investments.
As NATO faces increasing pressure, the United States has also been re-evaluating its stance on defense spending. Former and current officials have indicated that President Donald Trump may consider prioritizing NATO members who meet a set defense spending percentage. Trump has long criticized NATO members for not meeting the 2 percent GDP target, claiming that it disproportionately burdens the US.
Lithuania’s State Defense Council set an ambitious goal in January, aiming for an additional 12-13 billion euros for defense by 2030, which would push defense spending to 5-6 percent of GDP. The plan includes financing through borrowing, new taxes, increased tariffs, and economic growth. Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas also confirmed plans to allocate 5.25 percent of the country’s GDP to defense next year.
