Historic Declaration Reaffirms Collective Defense, Strengthens Industrial Cooperation, and Backs Ukraine’s Security
- NATO leaders reaffirm Article 5: “An attack on one is an attack on all.”
- Alliance commits to spending 5% of GDP on defense by 2035 — 3.5% on military readiness and 1.5% on infrastructure and resilience.
- Ukraine’s security declared vital to Euro-Atlantic security; spending to support Ukraine will count toward national defense budgets.
- Summit emphasizes transatlantic defense industry collaboration and innovation in emerging technologies.
- Next NATO summits confirmed for Türkiye (2026) and Albania (future date).
THE HAGUE, Netherlands, June 25, 2025 — In a landmark move reflecting NATO’s evolving strategy amid heightened global tensions, the Heads of State and Government of the 32-member Alliance issued The Hague Summit Declaration, committing to significantly boost military and infrastructure spending by 2035 and pledging continued support for Ukraine’s defense.
A Renewed Pledge to Collective Defense
At the heart of the declaration is a resounding affirmation of NATO’s founding principle — Article 5 of the Washington Treaty — reiterating that “an attack on one is an attack on all.” The leaders emphasized their unity in defending over one billion citizens across member states and safeguarding transatlantic democracy and freedom.
Historic 5% GDP Defence Investment Pledge
For the first time, NATO allies agreed to invest 5% of their gross domestic product annually by 2035 in two key areas: 3.5% towards core defense requirements — including troops, capabilities, and warfighting readiness — and up to 1.5% for civil preparedness, innovation, infrastructure protection, and defense industry resilience.
Annual national plans outlining a path to this target must be submitted by all member states. The first strategic review of this investment trajectory will occur in 2029, factoring in changing global threats and NATO’s evolving Capability Targets.
Backing Ukraine and Transatlantic Cooperation
The declaration positions Ukraine’s security as integral to NATO’s own, vowing ongoing political and financial support. Member nations will be able to include direct contributions to Ukraine’s defense and its industrial sector as part of their 5% GDP spending obligations.
Allies also resolved to deepen transatlantic defense industrial collaboration by removing trade barriers, encouraging innovation, and harmonizing partnerships across NATO states.
Looking Ahead
The summit concluded with gratitude to the Netherlands for hosting the 2025 meeting and confirmed that the next gathering of NATO Heads of State and Government will take place in Türkiye in 2026, followed by a summit in Albania.
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