Defense Priorities Defense Priorities
  • Policy Topics
    • US-Israel-Iran
    • Ukraine-Russia
    • Western Hemisphere
    • NATO
    • China
  • Analysis
    • Policy Papers
    • Symposia
    • Q&A
    • Polls
    • Grand Strategy Explained
    • Target Taiwan
  • Programs
    • Grand Strategy Program
    • Military Analysis Program
    • Asia Program
    • Middle East Program
  • Experts
  • Events
  • Media
  • About
    • Mission & Vision
    • People
    • Jobs
    • Contact
  • Donate
Select Page
Home / NATO / The truth about European defense spending
NATO, Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy

March 27, 2024

The truth about European defense spending

By Anthony Constantini

Much hay has been made about Sweden’s entry into NATO. While it is a good thing that Sweden—which was officially neutral but was essentially acting as a free rider—is finally partaking in the defense of its continent, its arrival highlights a continuing problem: Sweden, and most NATO states, are still spending less than 2% of their budgets on GDP. But it even moreso shines a light on why this is happening: many European states simply cannot afford to spend more on defense.

Read at RealClearWorld

Author

Photo of Anthony Constantini

Anthony
Constantini

Contributing Fellow

Defense Priorities

More on Europe

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Zelensky is running out of political cover

By Jennifer Kavanagh

August 20, 2026

Explainer

The role of moral hazard in the Ukraine war

By Christopher McCallion

August 18, 2026

Op-edNATO, Alliances

Germany’s Military Recruitment Crisis Is About to Test Berlin’s Rhetoric

By Moritz Graefrath

August 14, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine landmines Ukraine’s ‘turned tide’ doesn’t comport ‘with basic military reality’

Featuring Daniel Davis

July 29, 2026

In the mediaUkraine‑Russia, Middle East, Russia, Ukraine

Ukraine and Iran Wars Are Merging Into One Big Crisis for Trump in This Sea

Featuring Jennifer Kavanagh

July 28, 2026

Op-edUkraine‑Russia, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine

Zelensky’s ‘Freya’ missile defense scheme could backfire. Here’s why.

By Jennifer Kavanagh

July 26, 2026

Events on NATO

See All Events
virtualNATO, Alliances, Burden sharing, Europe and Eurasia, Grand strategy

Assessing the 2026 NDS: Will it usher in burden shifting?

February 9, 2026
virtualNATO, Alliances, Europe and Eurasia, Russia, Ukraine, Ukraine‑Russia

A ‘bridge’ to NATO or false hope for Ukraine?

July 12, 2024
virtualNATO, Alliances, Deterrence, Europe and Eurasia, Nuclear weapons

New York for Paris? NATO and extended deterrence in a new nuclear age

July 2, 2024

Receive expert foreign policy analysis

Join the hub of realism and restraint

Expert updates and analysis to enhance your understanding of vital U.S. national security issues

Defense Priority Mono Logo

Our mission is to inform citizens, thought leaders, and policymakers of the importance of a strong, dynamic military—used more judiciously to protect America’s narrowly defined national interests—and promote a realistic grand strategy prioritizing restraint, diplomacy, and free trade to ensure U.S. security.

  • Experts
  • Papers
  • Symposia
  • Q&A
  • Polls
  • Events
  • Media
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • About
  • Jobs
  • Contact
  • Donate
© 2026 Defense Priorities Foundation. All rights reserved.