German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul announced that Germany is open to increasing NATO defense spending to 5% of GDP, as urged by the United States. NATO nations currently aim for 2% spending, with many not meeting this target. Chancellor Friedrich Merz noted this increase would require significant financial resources. Amid concerns about the feasibility of a 5% target, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed a compromise of 3.5% military spending, plus investments in defense infrastructure, indicating ongoing debates within NATO regarding defense budgets.
With some countries considering 5% unrealistic, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte last week suggested a compromise whereby classic military spending be increased to 3.5% with the remaining 1.5% to be invested in defense-related infrastructure.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said on Thursday that Berlin accepts in principle the demand from the United States that NATO member states increase defense spending to 5% of GDP.
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