NATO is considering counting cybersecurity and related areas like border and coastal security toward its proposed defense spending goal of 5% of GDP. The plan includes 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for defense-related activities.
Talks are ongoing ahead of a formal decision expected at the June summit. A document shared with member states suggests that spending on critical infrastructure, space operations, and non-military intelligence agencies could also qualify under the 1.5% category, as reported by Bloomberg.
Southern NATO countries are pushing for counter-terrorism expenses to be included. Infrastructure tied to military mobility is also likely to count, provided it supports the alliance’s defense plans.
Kyiv has requested that Ukraine-related aid be included in the new target. NATO has not renewed its previous €40 billion pledge for Ukraine, and no new commitment has been announced.
The proposal remains under discussion and may change. Talks continue this week within NATO’s policy and planning committee.
The proposal is expected to be a key topic at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on June 24th–25th. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has expressed confidence that alliance members will agree to the new 5% spending target, which aims to enhance collective defense capabilities amid evolving security challenges.
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