Rutte proposed a new formula for NATO defense spending to meet Trump's demands.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte proposed a new model for defense financing that would allow member countries to meet U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand for spending at 5% of GDP.

According to the new formula, Alliance countries must increase direct defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, as well as allocate an additional 1.5% for expanded security needs. The concept of 'expanded security spending' still requires agreement among member states and may include the modernization of transport infrastructure, such as roads and bridges, to ensure the movement of heavy military equipment.

NATO spokeswoman Allison Hart did not confirm Rutte's proposal but noted that the Secretary General has already emphasized the need to increase defense spending to meet objectives regarding capability and burden-sharing among allies.

According to Hart, Rutte is working closely with allies to prepare decisions on this matter ahead of the upcoming summit in The Hague.

Reports state that the new U.S. ambassador to NATO, Matthew Whitaker, reminded the German side that Trump intends to skip this year's Alliance summit if member states do not increase defense spending.

The U.S. administration demands that NATO member countries raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. It is also known that the President of Poland received confirmation from Trump regarding his participation in the summit in June 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also expected to participate in the Alliance summit.