NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte is optimistic that member countries will agree on increased defense spending at the 24-25 June summit

At a meeting in Rome, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte expressed confidence that the alliance will reach a consensus on increasing defense spending. Discussing defense commitments, member states' foreign ministers stressed the need for a stronger Europe. Rutte proposed that countries allocate 3.5% of GDP to defense and 1.5% to security. Italy, with current spending of 1.49% of GDP, has said it will meet the 2% target by 2025, but is finding it difficult to meet the higher requirements.