The annual NATO summit is set to take place on the 24th in The Hague, Netherlands, which is hosting the summit for the first time. On the 13th, the Netherlands and Sweden jointly declared their intention to raise defense spending to 5% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to tackle the rapidly changing international situation and the global security threats posed by Russia.

NATO Secretary-General and former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte convened a joint press conference with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, announcing that Sweden and the Netherlands will increase their defense budgets to 5% of GDP, with 3.5% allocated for core defense needs and 1.5% for bolstering critical infrastructure and other security-related investments. This action aims to effectively address the quickly evolving international environment and the imminent threat of Russian expansion.

On June 26, Rutte stated at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly (NPA) that the alliance will establish updated standards for defense spending and urged member countries to elevate defense budgets to 5% of GDP. He intends to achieve consensus at the upcoming NATO summit later this month to strengthen responses to Russian and other geopolitical security threats.

As this year's NATO summit host, the Netherlands and Sweden's collaboration in responding to the call for increased defense spending is expected to motivate other member nations to meet the new standards, while also demonstrating to the U.S. administration under Trump their commitment to taking greater responsibility for their own security.