Ministers in Brussels Discuss Defense Investments, Capabilities, Ukraine, and Preparations for the Ankara Summit

The ministers' discussions focused primarily on fulfilling the commitments adopted in The Hague and strengthening NATO's credible deterrence and defence capabilities. This includes increasing defence spending, establishing modern combat capabilities, strengthening defence industrial production, and continuing support for Ukraine. The discussions also took place in light of the recognized need for European allies to gradually assume greater responsibility for their own security and defence through increased defence spending and the development of credible capabilities, while a strong transatlantic bond remains the foundation of the Alliance's security.

Ministers reviewed progress toward meeting agreed capability targets and increasing defence spending in line with the commitments made in The Hague. They also assessed the situation on the Alliance's eastern flank and reviewed measures to strengthen deterrence and defence, including ensuring credible contributions to NATO's force structure. Particular attention was paid to strengthening the defence industry, ensuring sufficient production capacity, and accelerating the development of innovations and new technologies. The ministers also reviewed Alliance missions, operations, and activities, including those in the Western Balkans region. As part of the meeting, the Nuclear Planning Group also convened, during which ministers discussed issues related to the Alliance's nuclear deterrence.

On the sidelines of the meeting, ministers also met in the format of the Ukraine defence Contact Group (UDCG). As Russia's aggression against Ukraine continues, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to providing further critical military assistance, training, and long-term support to Ukraine.

In 2025, Slovenia did not meet its set and announced target of allocating at least two percent of gross domestic product to defence. Actual defence expenditures for 2025 amounted to 1.57 percent of gross domestic product. This is also reflected in continuing shortfalls in capability development; therefore, Slovenia will have to do more and act more quickly in the future to make up for years of shortfalls and achieve the adopted capability priorities.

In his remarks, Defence Minister Valentin Hajdinjak acknowledged the actual gap between past plans and forecasts and their implementation. He emphasized the new government's firm commitment to credibly fulfilling its adopted commitments and announced a review of national defence spending growth plans starting in 2026. He highlighted the priority of strengthening national defence capabilities and accelerating the implementation of agreed-upon allied objectives. Special attention will be given to the procurement of appropriate systems, the optimization of force structure, the enhancement of combat readiness, and addressing acute personnel challenges. Slovenia will continue to provide credible contributions to allied operations, missions, and force structure. Special attention will also be given to strengthening the defence industry and accelerating modernization and innovation processes.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the minister also met with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. Pistorius invited Minister Hajdinjak to a bilateral visit scheduled for the fall, which will provide an opportunity for further discussions on strengthening defence cooperation and joint capability development.

Defence ministers from NATO member states met today in Brussels, where they discussed key security challenges facing the alliance and assessed progress in implementing the decisions adopted at the 2025 NATO summit in The Hague | Author Nato