Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met with top U.S. officials in Washington on Thursday to discuss the future of NATO, as the alliance prepares for a critical summit in the Netherlands this June. U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders are expected to attend. Rutte called on all 32 NATO member states to increase military spending, improve equipment, and show greater political unity.
“We must step up our efforts in 2025 to keep NATO militarily dominant,” Rutte wrote in NATO’s latest annual report. He stressed that defending freedom and prosperity depends on a stronger and more committed alliance.
Defense Spending Still Falls Short
According to the report, just 22 of NATO’s 32 members met the alliance’s target of spending 2% of their GDP on defense in 2023—one fewer than previously expected.
Countries missing the goal include Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Italy, Luxembourg, Montenegro, Portugal, Slovenia, and Spain. The United States, by comparison, spent 3.19% of its GDP on defense in 2024, down from 3.68% in 2014.
Despite the drop, the U.S. still spends more on defense than all other allies combined. Total NATO military expenditure reached around $1.3 trillion (€1.1 trillion) last year.
New Commitments Expected in June
At the upcoming summit in the Netherlands, NATO leaders aim to introduce new financial and strategic commitments to reinforce the alliance’s long-term capabilities.
“The will to defend must be shown not just in numbers, but in readiness to act,” Rutte emphasized. He is expected to play a central role during the June summit.
Continued Support for Ukraine Despite Uncertainty
Rutte also reaffirmed NATO’s support for Ukraine, even as uncertainty lingers over the United States’ long-term commitment under President Trump.
“NATO support for Ukraine remained strong in 2024,” Rutte wrote, referring to stalled ceasefire talks with Russia. He added that alliance members continue to pursue “a just and lasting peace.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated in February that Ukraine is unlikely to regain all of its occupied territory. He also said NATO does not plan to admit Ukraine in the near future.
NATO Report Quietly Released
In an unusual move, NATO published Rutte’s annual report online without holding a press conference or issuing a public statement. No official explanation was given for the low-profile release.
Observers noted that Rutte’s message was more measured than that of former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg. In 2023, Stoltenberg declared, “Ukraine must prevail. This is about our own security, not charity.”
Rutte’s tone suggests a more cautious but collaborative approach, focused on strategic unity rather than public pressure.
As geopolitical challenges grow, the Netherlands summit will be a key moment for NATO. Leaders will discuss how to keep the alliance effective in a rapidly changing world.
Rutte and Trump are expected to lead high-level discussions on defense spending, military readiness, and long-term goals. NATO hopes to emerge from the summit with stronger unity and renewed purpose.