Brussels: Matthew Whitaker, United States Permanent Representative to NATO, has reiterated Washington's appeal for NATO member states to allocate a minimum of 5 percent of their gross domestic product (GDP) to defence spending. Speaking at a press conference in Brussels, Whitaker emphasized that the US is open to broader defence-related expenditures, such as infrastructure, as long as they align with the overall defence objectives.
According to Emirates News Agency, NATO members have already reached a consensus on the necessity to surpass the current target of two percent of GDP for defence. In anticipation of the alliance's forthcoming summit in The Hague at the end of June, the 32 member states are expected to engage in negotiations on this subject, especially as US President Donald Trump presses allies to strive towards the 5 percent benchmark.
Whitaker highlighted, 'The five percent is not just a number-it is a necessity for our security,' underscoring the significant threats faced by the alliance. His remarks reflect a compromise proposed by NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, which suggests that member states could allocate 3.5 percent of GDP to defence, with the remaining 1.5 percent directed towards infrastructure and cybersecurity.
However, Whitaker warned that all investments must be directly pertinent to defence needs.