Diplomat Foreign Desk
Stockholm: DD, On 24–25 June, the NATO Summit took place in The Hague. Sweden was represented by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, Minister for Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard and Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
The focus of the Summit was the serious security situation and the need for increased investment in deterrence and defence.
NATO agreement on 5 per cent target
During the Summit, NATO members agreed on a 5 per cent defence spending target. Following this decision, all Allies will be required to spend at least 3.5 per cent of GDP on core defence requirements and 1.5 per cent on defence- and security-related investments.
“For me and the Government, the safety and security of Sweden and its people is the single most important task. The threat from Russia makes it necessary for us to rearm swiftly and substantially. The Summit in The Hague arrived at a spending target of 3.5 per cent plus 1.5 per cent by 2035. But Sweden’s plan remains the same. We’re aiming for 2030,” says Mr Kristersson.
During the Summit, the Allies adopted a declaration that underscores their unwavering support for NATO’s collective defence and Article 5, and that the Alliance stands united in the face of the long-term threat posed by Russia. The new 5 per cent target for defence investment, the objective of increasing defence industrial cooperation and NATO’s long-term support to Ukraine were the central themes of the Summit. (Ministry of Defence, Sweden)