How much do NATO members spend in defense? These are the countries that spend the most, and the least

NATO leaders agreed on Wednesday a major defense spending objective of 5% of the economic production of each country in 2035, rather than duplicating the previous objective of 2%.

President Trump praised the new defense agreement, calling it A “monumental victory for the United States” during a speech at the NATO summit in the Netherlands. Mr. Trump has Required repeatedly That NATO allies increase their defense expense, arguing that other countries disproportionately trust the United States.

In 2024, NATO member countries spent an average of 2.61% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in defense, but the figures vary widely throughout the alliance.

According to NATO estimates, 22 of the 32 members of the Alliance completed or exceeded the reference point of 2%, with nine below the target. Iceland is not included in estimates, since it has no armed forces.

What NATO countries spend in defense

Defense spending covers the armed forces of a nation, including personnel, equipment, ammunition and more.

NATO estimates show that Poland spent the highest percentage of its GDP in defense and was the only country that was estimated to spend more than 4%. Estonia and Latvia followed him, each assigning around 3.4%.

It was estimated that the United States, compared, spends 3.2% of its GDP (much larger) in defense.

Nine countries did not reach the previous objective of 2% of the Alliance, which had been agreed at a summit in 2014.

Canada, Portugal and Italy spent approximately 1.5% of their GDP in defense. Slovenia, Belgium and Luxembourg arrived a little lower.

Spain assigned the greatest participation of its GDP, with 1.2%.

On Wednesday, President Trump highlighted Spain for criticism about his expenditure level, saying “they want a little free trip.” Mr. Trump threatened Make Spain “pay double” during commercial negotiations.

The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, said that his country will not meet the target of 5% defense spending, calling the objective of 2% “sufficient” and “realistic” for the country.

Since NATO established its defense spending objectives in 2014, the general average expenditure among the Member States has increased from 1.4% of 2% GDP in 2024. However, the objectives are not legally binding.

Rachel Rizzo, from the Central Europe of the Atlantic Council, said that the language of the 5% agreement “can leave enough maneuvering margin so that some allies (such as Spain) are excluded.”

• NATO