The Strategist
The Strategist

European NATO countries and Canada increase defense investment by nearly 20% in a year



06/18/2026 - 03:04



Numerous NATO nations are already showing that they are meeting their pledges from the Hague summit to allocate 5% of GDP to defense by 2035. At a press conference during the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting on June 18, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced that European allies and Canada have raised their defense spending by over $90 billion.



Defense Visual Information Distribution
Defense Visual Information Distribution
"The figures are self-explanatory. In 2025, we observed a notable rise in defense spending. European allies and Canada boosted their fundamental defense spending by over $90 billion. This is an impressive number – nearly 20% increase within just one year," he said.

"An additional rise is scheduled for 2026," Rutte stated, adding that these "meaningful investments generate tangible opportunities."

"European allies and Canada are already becoming more capable and taking on greater responsibility for our security. This involves taking on additional significant leadership positions within NATO's military framework, alongside a larger role in what NATO needs to undertake for deterrence during peacetime and defense during crises or conflicts," Rutte remarked.

source: reuters.com