Key facts
- European defense spending is at its highest point since the Cold War.
- Poland leads Europe in defense spending as a share of GDP.
- Poland's defense spending is 4.48% of its GDP.
- Poland's defense spending share of GDP surpasses that of the United States.
- All EU NATO members met the 2% defense spending target in 2025.
- The continent is divided between front-line states increasing outlays and others meeting minimums.
European defense spending has reached its highest point since the Cold War. Poland is leading the continent in this regard, allocating 4.48% of its GDP to defense. This figure surpasses even the United States' defense spending as a share of GDP. In 2025, all European Union NATO members successfully met the 2% defense spending target. However, the continent is experiencing a division in defense outlays. Front-line states are significantly increasing their defense expenditures, while other European nations are meeting only the minimum spending requirements.