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Belgium's Minister Slams NATO's 5% Defense Spending Plan

5/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is set to challenge NATO's proposed defense spending increase to 5% of GDP during the Antalya meeting. He argues that this target is unrealistic for Belgium, proposing a more manageable 2.5% by 2034. This comes as Belgium commits to the existing 2% target by 2025, amidst rising public frustration over social spending cuts.

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Story summary

Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot is set to challenge NATO's proposed defense spending increase to 5% of GDP during the Antalya meeting. He argues that this target is unrealistic for Belgium, proposing a more manageable 2.5% by 2034. This comes as Belgium commits to the existing 2% target by 2025, amidst rising public frustration over social spending cuts.