Allied unity and increased defense spending at the heart of NATO summit

“5×5” is the formula that summarizes the NATO summit held in The Hague: the 32 member countries have strongly reaffirmed their commitment to collective security, enshrined in Article 5 of the Washington Treaty, which considers an attack against an ally as an attack against all. And they have agreed to reach defense spending equal to 5% of GDP by 2035.

In the final declaration of the summit, signed by all members despite some initial differences – such as Spain's critical position on the amount of defense spending – the Alliance stressed the need to remain united to protect its citizens, strengthen common defense and preserve the fundamental values ​​of freedom and democracy, in a global context marked by growing security threats. Among these, the persistent challenge posed by Russia in the Euro-Atlantic area and the continuing threat of terrorism stand out, which, according to the allies, require a coordinated and decisive response.

The target of 5% of GDP by 2035 is ambitious but considered essential to ensure the operational readiness and resilience of the Alliance. This share of spending has been divided into two main components: 3.5% of GDP will be allocated to strengthening key military capabilities and achieving strategic objectives defined by NATO, while the remaining 1.5% will be used to strengthen critical infrastructure, improve cybersecurity, promote technological innovation and consolidate the defence industry. The Allies have committed to presenting annual plans that outline a clear and progressive path towards achieving these goals, with a review scheduled for 2029 to assess progress and adapt strategies to the changed geopolitical context. In addition, the leaders underlined the importance of breaking down defence trade barriers between members, promoting closer transatlantic cooperation and leveraging emerging technologies to strengthen collective security.

Italy, represented at the summit by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, played an active role in defining the modalities of implementation of the objectives agreed during the summit. Meloni achieved significant results, such as the possibility of diluting the commitment of 5% of GDP over a period of ten years, avoiding obligations of rigid annual increases and providing for a review of the commitments in 2029. This approach allows greater flexibility for Italy, which sees the increase in defense spending not only as a cost, but also as an economic opportunity. According to Meloni, investments can stimulate the growth of Italian industry, “so it is a virtuous circle if we know how to use it well,” the prime minister stressed. A significant aspect of the final declaration is the recognition of Ukraine's role in Euro-Atlantic security. The allies confirmed their unwavering support for Kiev, including by integrating contributions to Ukrainian defense and its military industry into the calculation of the allies' defense spending. The summit also addressed other geopolitical issues of primary importance.

Meloni said she discussed with US President Donald Trump the possibility of ceasefire negotiations in multiple theaters of conflict. “I spoke with Trump about the ceasefire between Israel and Iran. Our goal is an agreement, and the same determination is needed to reach two other ceasefires: in Ukraine, where Russia has no intention of moving forward, and in Gaza, where the situation is unsustainable,” Meloni said. Another key issue that emerged at the summit was the growing interest in the Southern Flank of the Alliance, an area that Italy has placed at the center of discussions. Meloni drew attention to emerging threats in the Mediterranean, from Russia's ambitions for influence to the presence of other “hostile actors” operating in the region.

On the sidelines of the summit, US President Trump described his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as positive. Regarding Iran, Trump said that the United States "will have new talks" with Tehran next week. The White House chief then added that he did not consider it necessary to "sign some kind of agreement" with Iranian authorities. "The war with Israel is over: we could sign some kind of document but I don't think it will be necessary," Trump said, while warning that the United States was ready to intervene again if Iran were to resume its nuclear program.

– photo IPA Agency –

(ITALPRESS).