The announcement comes soon after the Dutch government collapsed, leaving a caretaker administration in place before an election in the fall.
Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans called the shift a “historic decision,” highlighting its importance amid rising tensions with Russia and broader calls for European defense autonomy.
The proposed increase bows to ongoing pressure from Trump, who has urged NATO allies to raise their defense contributions or risk a diminished American role in the military alliance.
The plan is expected to be discussed and potentially adopted at the NATO summit in The Hague on June 24 and 25. According to NOS, the estimated €16 billion to €19 billion in annual costs has not yet been budgeted and will be left to a future coalition to resolve.
