On Wednesday, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) announced that it would increase its military budget for 2024 by 12%, totaling €2.03 billion.
Additionally, NATO will raise its civilian budget by 18.2% to €438.1 million.
According to Reuters, NATO stated in the announcement that the increase in the military budget allows allies to more effectively address common security challenges.
The civilian budget of NATO provides the necessary funds for personnel, operational costs, and program expenses at the Alliance’s headquarters and its international staff.
Meanwhile, the military budget covers the operational costs of the Alliance’s command structure, missions, and operations worldwide.
NATO’s third principal common funded element is the NATO Security Investment Programme (NSIP), which covers major construction, and command and control system investments. The 2024 ceiling for the NSIP is €1.3 billion, representing a 30% increase over 2023.
Common-funded budgets strengthen NATO, providing major capabilities, enabling deterrence, defence and interoperability, and supporting consultation and decision-making at the highest levels. NATO is committed to providing security in a way that is effective, transparent, and financially responsible.