Helsinki, May 23, 2026 – The Europe Today: Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen said on Friday that Finland is on course to meet NATO’s ambitious target of allocating five percent of GDP to defence and defence-related spending.
Last year, NATO member states agreed to increase direct defence spending to 3.5 percent of GDP, alongside an additional 1.5 percent dedicated to defence-related expenditures. The alliance aims to achieve the target within the next decade.
Valtonen emphasized that reaching the spending goal is crucial for strengthening deterrence, improving collective defence capabilities, and supporting the defence industries of NATO member countries.
The Finnish foreign minister also strongly condemned Russia’s recent disinformation campaign targeting the Baltic states. In recent days, Russia has alleged that Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia allowed their airspace to be used for drone attacks against Russia.
“I want to state clearly and unequivocally that NATO is not a threat to Russia, but Russia is a threat to global peace,” Valtonen said.
She added that Finland remains calm regarding Russia’s actions, noting that the Finnish people are accustomed to living alongside what she described as an unpredictable neighbour.
Meanwhile, the United States has announced plans to reduce its troop presence in Europe. Ahead of the NATO meeting, Secretary General Mark Rutte stressed that Europe must strengthen its own defence capabilities and lessen dependence on the United States.
Valtonen echoed those remarks, while underscoring that the United States remains committed to NATO and transatlantic security despite planned troop reductions in Europe.
