EU leaders back 3% defense spending target before NATO summit

European Union leaders are weighing a higher defense spending benchmark as they prepare for a NATO summit focused on new security demands and burden-sharing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the bloc should aim to raise collective defense spending to at least 3% of GDP.

The proposal comes as NATO members face pressure to meet updated capability targets and show stronger commitment to Europe’s security architecture. Backers of the increase argue that current spending levels may not be enough to match emerging threats and to reinforce the transatlantic alliance.

The debate also reflects broader concerns inside the EU about military readiness, industrial capacity, and long-term coordination among member states. Any move toward a higher target would likely require difficult negotiations, since defense budgets remain a sensitive issue across the bloc.

The discussion is expected to intensify ahead of the summit, where allies are likely to confront questions about how quickly they can expand capabilities without straining public finances or widening divisions among members.