NATO Secretary–General Jens Stoltenberg said that this year, 11 allied countries are expected to meet the Alliance’s goal of allocating at least two percent of gross domestic product (GDP) to defense.
The annual report of NATO Secretary–General Stoltenberg for 2023 has been published, which includes information on the defense expenditures of NATO countries.
Accordingly, it is estimated that 11 members will achieve NATO’s goal of allocating at least two percent of GDP to defense. These are Poland, the United States (U.S.), Greece, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Latvia, the United Kingdom (UK), Hungary, Slovakia and Denmark. In 2014, only Greece, the U.S.and the UK allocated more than two percent of GDP to defense.
At a press conference to launch the report, Stoltenberg said: “The year 2023 saw further strengthening of our defenses, new robust military plans, more forces with greater readiness and major increases in defense investment. The world has become more dangerous, but NATO has become stronger.”
Stating that defense expenditures in Europe and Canada have been increasing for nine consecutive years, Stoltenberg emphasized that for the first time in 2024, NATO allies in Europe will invest a total of 470 billion dollars in defense, which corresponds to two percent of their total GDP.
“Only three allies met this goal in 2014. This year, two-thirds of allies will reach the 2 percent goal,” Stoltenberg said.
The Secretary-General pointed out that at the summit in Washington, where NATO’s 75th anniversary will be celebrated in July, he expects the Allies to take further steps to support Ukraine, strengthen NATO’s defense, provide resources and deepen their partnerships around the world.
