LeadStory

What happened at the NATO summit?

Asked 8 days ago

Answer

The NATO summit in The Hague was marked by a major new defense spending pledge, heightened tensions over the Middle East, and shifting priorities regarding Ukraine. Leaders agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% for core defense and 1.5% for broader security. The summit was also dominated by discussions about the recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, the subsequent ceasefire, and differing views among leaders about the legality and effectiveness of these actions. There was also a notable shift in US policy, with less emphasis on Ukraine's NATO membership and more focus on broader alliance commitments.

References

Trump closes NATO summit, vows proof Iran’s nuclear program destroyed
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CBC News
8 days ago
Trump closes NATO summit, vows proof Iran’s nuclear program destroyed

President Trump closed the summit by praising US intervention in the Israel-Iran conflict and recent airstrikes on Iran, claiming Iran's nuclear program was destroyed. However, leaked intelligence suggested the strikes only delayed the program, and Trump promised to provide proof at a news conference.

Macron meets IAEA chief at the Elysee Palace after NATO summit
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Euronews
8 days ago
Macron meets IAEA chief at the Elysee Palace after NATO summit

After the summit, French President Macron met with the IAEA chief to discuss Iran's suspension of cooperation with the agency and the damage to Iran's nuclear facilities, reaffirming France's support for the IAEA.

Trump called "daddy" at NATO summit
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CBS News
8 days ago
Trump called "daddy" at NATO summit

President Trump was playfully called 'daddy' by Secretary General Mark Rutte, reflecting a new tone at the summit. Behind the praise, NATO members pledged to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, and Trump affirmed the alliance’s core principle of collective defense.

What happened at NATO: the new defense budget explained
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Reuters
9 days ago
What happened at NATO: the new defense budget explained

NATO leaders endorsed a new defense spending target, aiming for member countries to allocate 5% of their economic output to defense, up from the previous 2% goal. The new target divides spending into 3.5% for core defense needs and 1.5% for broader security investments, with targets set for review in 2029 and expected to be met by 2035.

NATO shifts focus as Trump retreats from leading role on Ukraine
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Euronews
9 days ago
NATO shifts focus as Trump retreats from leading role on Ukraine

The summit saw a shift in US policy, with less emphasis on Ukraine's success as pivotal to NATO security. European leaders discussed increased defense spending and the need for negotiation and de-escalation in the Middle East, while continuing support for Ukraine was announced.

Trump heads to NATO summit amid tension in the Middle East
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CBS News
10 days ago
Trump heads to NATO summit amid tension in the Middle East

President Trump attended the summit after announcing a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, which was quickly violated. He expressed frustration over the breakdown of the ceasefire and prepared to discuss next steps with world leaders.

Zelenskyy accuses Russia of trying to save Iran’s nuclear program
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CNN
10 days ago
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of trying to save Iran’s nuclear program

Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of supporting Iran’s nuclear program during summit discussions, which also focused on defense spending and the Middle East crisis. Bilateral talks between Zelensky and Trump were anticipated.

NATO summit may be "most significant since Cold War"
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10 News First
10 days ago
NATO summit may be "most significant since Cold War"

Leaders from 32 nations gathered for a summit described as the most significant since the Cold War, focusing on Europe, the US, and increased defense spending. The Middle East crisis, particularly US strikes in Iran, influenced discussions, with some leaders disagreeing on the legality of the actions.

NATO summit opens this week amid Middle East conflict
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CBS News
10 days ago
NATO summit opens this week amid Middle East conflict

The summit's agenda was shaped by the recent ceasefire between Israel and Iran, with a new commitment for all NATO members to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. The ongoing war in Ukraine remained a significant concern.

NATO agrees to 5% higher defence spending target
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Euronews
11 days ago
NATO agrees to 5% higher defence spending target

NATO's 32 member states agreed to a new defense spending target of 5% of GDP by 2035, with 3.5% for hard defense and 1.5% for defense-related investments. The agreement was signed by ambassadors ahead of the summit, and the announcement sparked protests in The Hague.

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