FT reports that Lithuania and Estonia have pledged 5% of their defense budgets in response to Trump’s call.  

AI

**Lithuania and Estonia Meet Trump’ Spending Demand**

Lithuania and Estonia have become the first NATO countries meet U.S. ‘s call to raise defense spending to more than 5% of GDP. This change was reported by the Financial Times January 27.

**New Era in Defense Spending**

Lithuania’s Minister Kestutis Budrys described this shift as “new era.” The country has committed to spending between 5% and 6% of its GDP on defense annually until at least 2030. Estonia followed suit, with Prime Minister Kristen Michal promising to raise defense spending from .7% of GDP to 5%.

**Leadership in Defense Spending**

This move puts the Baltic nations ahead of most NATO members and even the United States, which allocated 3.38% of its GDP to defense in 2024. Poland, another NATO member, has also committed to meeting this benchmark by 2025.

**NATO’s Debate on Defense Spending**

The announcements come as NATO members discuss raising the alliance-wide defense spending target from 2% to 3% of GDP by 2030. Still, Trump’s proposed 5% benchmark remains a challenge for many countries. , Canada, and are among those still below this threshold.

Read More @ kyivindependent.com

Share This Article
Leave a Comment