NATO’s governing Council has officially endorsed a four-year funding strategy for the years 2026 to 2030, confirming a €5.3 billion budget under its Common Funding Resource Plan. The plan establishes expenditure ceilings for military and civilian programs as well as the alliance’s Security Investment Programme, with a continued emphasis on support to Ukraine amidst Russia’s ongoing military campaign.

According to NATO’s statement, the newly approved framework outlines common spending obligations for its 31 members, ensuring operational readiness and alliance-wide solidarity in defense investments. The plan encompasses both civil and military budget lines and will guide financial coordination across the alliance for the next half-decade.

The funding includes substantial investment in infrastructure, logistics, and digital modernization. Most notably, the 2026 ceilings have been set in line with NATO’s long-term goal to increase defense budgets—previously agreed to rise to 5% of national GDPs by 2035.

Ukraine Aid And Strategic Priorities Remain Central

The NATO Council emphasized that financial provisions under this plan will directly support Ukraine’s defense capacity against Russian aggression. Though the statement did not provide specific figures for Ukraine, alliance officials reiterated that common funding remains essential to delivering military and logistical assistance to Kyiv.

The Common Funding Resource Plan is seen as a key tool for ensuring continuity of operations, funding multinational military assets, and reinforcing deterrence, particularly on NATO’s eastern flank. It also reflects broader alliance priorities such as collective cyber defense and intelligence coordination.