NATO defence spending surges

Eighteen of NATO’’s 31 members* will meet their commitment to spend two percent of their GDP on defence this year – a decision taken following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea

Defence expenditure, change 2014-2023    2014 2023

(% share of GDP, based on 2015 prices and exchange rates)
            1     2   3    4
Poland 1.88 3.90
U.S.   3.49  3.72
Greece 2.22  3.01
Estonia 1.93 2.73
Lithuania  0.88 2.54 
Finland 1.45  2.45
Romania  1.35  2.44
Hungary     0.86  2.43
Latvia     0.94  2.27
UK        2.07  2.14
Slovakia  0.98   2.03
France    1.82  1.90
Montenegro  1.50  1.87
N Macedonia  1.09  1.87
Bulgaria  1.31  1.84 
Croatia   1.79  1.82 
Albania   1.35  1.76 
Netherlands 1.15  1.70
Norway   1.54  1.67
Denmark  1.15  1.65
Germany  1.19  1.57
Czechia  0.94  1.50 
Portugal  1.31  1.48
Italy     1.14  1.46
Canada 1.01  1.38
Slovenia  0.97  1.35
Türkiye 1.31 1.45
Spain   0.92  1.26
Belgium  0.97  1.13 
Luxembourg 0.37  0.72



“In 2024, NATO Allies in Europe will invest US$380 billion in defence,” – NATO chiief Jens Stoltenberg (above). In 2023, 11 nations met 2% Defence Investment Pledge, up from three in 2014
      

2% NATO guideline 
*Iceland, which does not have any armed forces, is excluded from list

      
Sources: NATO,, Reuters Picture:: Simon Wohlfahrt//AFP via Getty Images © GRAPHIIC NEWS