Nato is considering increasing the target for defence spending to 3 per cent of GDP.

It comes as Donald Trump, the president-elect who will return to the White House next month, vowed to ensure European members of the alliance shoulder more of the military burden.

The increased target could be set at Nato’s Leaders Summit in The Hague in June 2025, raising the treaty’s current goal of 2 per cent spending on defence. Nato is currently undergoing its defence planning process, which will conclude in 2025.

However, Whitehall sources suggested a rise to 3 per cent would be “difficult” to meet.

A senior Nato source cautioned how much weight a 3 per cent goal would have, telling The Telegraph: “Capitals retain decision-making authority. You can set any target you like, and with Trump coming 3 per cent might buy you some grace, but Allies will still drag their heels.”