Poland, Estonia push for NATO members to increase defense spending to 3% of GDP
This photograph shows the North-Atlantic Treaty Organisation's (NATO) flag and member states' flags at the NATO headquarters in Brussels on April 2, 2025. (AFP Photo)
During a state visit to Estonia, Polish President Andrzej Duda and Estonian President Alar Karis called for NATO members to increase defense spending to a minimum of 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) in response to growing security threats, particularly from Russia.
What happened?
On Tuesday, the presidents of Poland and Estonia issued a joint appeal in Tallinn, urging NATO allies to significantly boost defense budgets. The leaders emphasized that the current level of defense spending is insufficient, given the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rising threat of “Russian imperialism.”
Duda reaffirmed Poland’s proposal to increase NATO’s defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP, a commitment, he argued, that was historically grounded and necessary because of the current security landscape.
Both leaders are pushing for this increased defense commitment ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, where the issue of defense spending is expected to be discussed. Duda and Karis hope the 3% target will be embraced across the alliance.
Why it matters?
Poland and Estonia argue that higher defense spending is essential not only for deterrence but also for strengthening Europe’s defense industry.
With a 3% target, the leaders stress that NATO would be better positioned to reduce dependence on external suppliers and improve its own military capabilities. Both countries also support changing EU regulations to allow funds for military production and modernization. Karis warned that failure to invest now could result in much higher costs in the future.
