**Nato Leaders Agree on Enhanced Defence Spending: A Historic Summit in The Hague**

The recent Nato summit in The Hague yielded a commitment to raise defence budgets amid ongoing security challenges, notably from Russia, yet stirred objections from some member states regarding targets and spending.

Nato leaders have collectively resolved to enhance their defence budgets to 5% of their respective countries' economic output by 2035, a significant agreement reached during a summit in The Hague and spurred by extensive advocacy from US President Donald Trump. The President hailed this outcome as a "big win for Europe and... Western civilisation."

In a joint declaration, the leaders underscored their solidarity in confronting "profound security challenges," specifically emphasizing the sustained threat from Russia and global terrorism. Despite this, the statement notably omitted a direct condemnation of Russia's earlier invasion of Ukraine, a departure from previous positions.

Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte assured that there should be no doubt regarding the alliance's capacity and resolve in the face of threats, portraying a newly fortified alliance through the decisions made at this summit. Earlier in the discussions, Trump had expressed some ambiguity regarding the interpretation of Article Five, which dictates mutual defense among members; however, he reaffirmed later his full support for this principle.

This summit, attended by Trump for the first time since 2019, was characterized by several leaders as historic. Rutte indicated that the strategies developed would extend ongoing assistance to Ukraine while pursuing peace initiatives. The proposed commitment requires that by 2035, at least 3.5% of each member state's GDP must be allocated to core defense expenditures, plus an additional up to 1.5% for broader security-related investments.

While many leaders praised the agreement, Spain expressed hesitation regarding the 5% target, with Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo asserting that Madrid was already on the path to meeting a 2.1% target, and criticized the discussions surrounding the percentage as misguided. Nevertheless, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez signed onto the statement, asserting its realism and compatibility with Spain's commitments.

Belgium's Prime Minister Bart de Wever acknowledged the challenge of reaching such spending targets but remained optimistic that the 3.5% goal was achievable within the designated timeframe. Meanwhile, Slovakia, although having concerns, communicated its intent not to obstruct the increase.

French President Emmanuel Macron raised concerns regarding Trump's tariff policies toward the EU while underscoring the absurdity of allies facing trade wars amidst calls for increased military spending.

Opening the summit with a dinner hosted by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, leaders recognized the current geopolitical climate as perilous, with Rutte emphasizing that the mutual defense guarantee remains crucial and sends a compelling message of solidarity among allies.

In a notable sidebar discussion, Trump had talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, suggesting that achieving a ceasefire was more challenging than anticipated and hinting at further military assistance for Ukraine.

In summary, the final communique from the summit reaffirmed Nato's commitment to supporting Ukraine in a manner that safeguards mutual security among member nations, coinciding with UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's sentiments on the essentiality of Nato in the contemporary volatile world.