Melike Pala
13 June 2025•Update: 13 June 2025
BRUSSELS
Belgium's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Maxime Prevot said Thursday that while his country is not enthusiastic about NATO’s proposed new defense spending target of 5% of gross domestic product, it will not stand in the way of the decision.
Speaking at the German Marshall Fund’s Brussels Forum, Prevot acknowledged Belgium’s historical shortcomings in meeting NATO defense commitments, likening the country to “a bad pupil in the class.” However, he emphasized that the new government, in office since February, has taken rapid steps to align with the alliance’s initial spending goals.
“So frankly speaking, we are not very enthusiastic to be forced to endorse this new target of 5%,” Prevot said. “But Belgium has already been a reliable partner, and we intend to stay a reliable partner. So it means that we will not oppose to the 5%. We have seen a budgetary situation to work on a maximum of flexibility mechanism.”
The proposal, introduced by incoming NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, calls for 3.5% of GDP to be allocated to core military capabilities, with an additional 1.5% for cyber and infrastructure investments — bringing total defense spending to 5%. The plan is expected to be formally endorsed by alliance members at the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague on June 24–25.
Amid rising global tensions, Prevot emphasized the importance of strengthening Europe’s defense industry and maintaining a united front with transatlantic allies.
“We are not rivals. We are partners, and we will work together,” he said.
