The Quick (Yet Pivotal) 2019 Nato Summit: A Rollercoaster Ride Towards Unity on Defense Spending
NATO Member Nations Face Challenges in Consensus Over Military Budget Allocations
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With just a two-and-a-half-hour working session left on the agenda for the 2019 Nato summit in The Hague, the focus is on keeping U.S. President Donald Trump content, as it's his decision that will determine Nato's future. Can peace be preserved, or will this high-stakes gathering take a sour turn? Let's delve into the key topics up for discussion.
How much are states investing now?
Under the strain of Russia’s attack on Ukraine and pressure from President Trump, Germany and other alliance partners have already agreed to a new defense spending target. In the draft for the final declaration, they pledge to commit to investing at least 2% of GDP in defense spending by 2024 – even if it surpasses the previous target of 3.5% for core military spending, which covers procurement, weapons, and military equipment[2]. In addition, the definition of defense spending has expanded to include counter-terrorism measures and military-useful infrastructure projects, such as railways, tank-proof bridges, and expanded ports.
Will Article 5 stand?
Given past statements from Donald Trump casting doubt on the USA's commitment to mutual defense under Article 5 of the NATO treaty, this is a pressing concern. In the final declaration, it will state: "We, the heads of state and government of the North Atlantic Alliance, have come together in The Hague to reaffirm our commitment to NATO - the strongest alliance in history - and to the transatlantic partnership." We remain united and determined to protect the one billion citizens in alliance countries[1].
What role does Ukraine still play at the summit?
At the NATO summit last year, Ukraine's predicament in the face of Russia's war was the focal point. This year's event, however, will likely favor trade-related discussions, as Trump's stance might shape the discourse during the only official working session in absentia of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky[1].
Is the summit destined to end in a disaster?
Public speculation about potential failures is not encouraged within NATO. Instead, preparations for the next high-level meetings are in progress. According to the draft final declaration, the summit will be held in Turkey next year, and in Albania in 2027, further signifying the alliance's commitment to addressing shared security concerns[1].
As tensions continue to run high, the focus remains on reaching an agreement that ensures Nato's continued relevance in a constantly shifting global landscape.
Source: ntv.de, Ansgar Haase, dpa
- NATO
- Netherlands
- Military
- Donald Trump
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Turkey
Insights:
- NATO leaders are now pushing for a more ambitious defense spending target of 5% of GDP. This new goal is a considerable increase, amounting to more than double the previous target of 2%[2].
- This increase in spending will fund a substantial enhancement in air defense capabilities, a substantial increase in the number of tanks and armored vehicles, and an increase in artillery rounds[2].
- Despite the push towards the 5% target, many NATO members still face challenges fully meeting the original 2% defense spending target[1].
[1]https://www.dw.com/en/nato-leaders-lay-out-ambitious-military-spending-targets-for-members/a-53633731[2]https://www.reuters.com/article/us-nato-summit-spending-idUSKCN1VU1II
- The ongoing discussions at the 2019 Nato summit in The Hague revolve around a pivotal issue in politics: the defense spending policy, with leaders advocating for an enhanced 5% GDP target, marking a significant increase from the previous 2% goal.
- The employment policy within Nato is also a subject of discussion, as the expanded definition of defense spending now includes counter-terrorism measures and military-useful infrastructure projects, potentially leading to job creation in these sectors.
