NATO member states have now formally decided to invest five percent of their gross domestic product in defense and security. US President Trump is likely pleased—he had put considerable pressure on the alliance.

Under the impression of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and at the urging of US President Donald Trump, NATO has committed to an unprecedented increase in defense spending. In the final declaration of their summit in The Hague, the Allies adopted the new goal of investing five percent of their gross domestic product annually in defense and security by 2035 at the latest – the highest level since the Cold War.

The previous target was two percent. The disintegration of the Alliance, feared by many after Trump's election victory, has thus been averted for the time being. In return for the five percent pledge, the Allies now expect Trump to leave no doubt that, even under his leadership, the US will continue to uphold its commitment to mutual assistance under Article 5 of the NATO Treaty – that is, the agreement that an Alliance partner can count on the support of the Allies in the event of an attack, and that an attack on one member is considered an attack on all.

"Please, no one should dare to attack NATO"

At a subsequent press conference, Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned Russia against attacking NATO member states."Please, no one should dare to attack NATO, anywhere," he said. Russia is not strong enough to attack NATO as a whole,"but we simply don't know whether they won't test our defense readiness one day," he said.

"Strongest alliance in history"

The summit declaration states: "We, the Heads of State and Government of the North Atlantic Alliance, have met in The Hague to reaffirm our commitment to NATO, the strongest alliance in history, and to the transatlantic ally." We remain united and determined to protect the one billion citizens of the Alliance territory.

Trump has repeatedly raised doubts in the past about whether the US still stands by the core agreement of the NATO treaty. On Wednesday, he described the agreement on his proposed defense spending target as"tremendous."

Meeting between Zelensky and Trump

Trump also spoke with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the summit. According to Zelensky, the discussion focused on achieving a ceasefire and"real peace." Trump also expressed his support following the meeting. The conversation"couldn't have been more pleasant," he said.

Trump also announced at the summit that the US was planning new talks with Iran for next week. Details were not initially disclosed.

Rutte: Responsibility for common security

The new NATO agreement on defense spending specifically stipulates that each member state must spend at least 3.5 percent of its GDP to"cover core defense requirements and fulfill NATO capability objectives." In addition, expenditures on counterterrorism and military infrastructure, for example, will be eligible for inclusion. These could include investments in railway lines, tank-capable bridges, and expanded ports.

In a closing press conference, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called on the allies to put their words into action."Of course, the work is not finished here. This is day one," he said at the conclusion of the summit. Now we must"roll up our sleeves to put this new plan into action."

The decisions made in The Hague significantly strengthen NATO, Rutte said."They also make NATO a fairer alliance, in which Europe and Canada assume their share of responsibility for our common security." They are committed to the mutual assistance commitment in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty and are determined to stand firm. No one should doubt NATO's capabilities, he said, apparently referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin.