Skopje, 27 June 2025 (MIA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Timcho Mucunski said Friday the commitment to raise defense spending to five percent of GDP doesn’t only refer to classic military procurements, but represents an overall investment in the security, infrastructure and economic development of the country.

“We are moving to five percent to ensure we don’t ever have a need to go to 30-40 percent like some countries that have conflicts on their territory,” Mucunski said, adding that in addition to the modernization of the army, funds will also be spent on investments in infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovations and startup companies.

At a press conference held on occasion of the first year of the Government’s term, the Minister stressed that the defense spending goal is in accordance with the NATO standards and all member states back the strategy.

“This was a decision adopted by consensus within the Alliance. All procurements and measures taken by the Defense Ministry to modernize our army will be included in those 5 percent,” the country’s top diplomat said.

Mucunski added that the funds will also be used on aspects that weren’t included in the current spending of two percent, such as investments in NATO corridors, infrastructure of strategic and trade importance, and cybersecurity capacities.

“There will be a lot of tools within these five percent that will bring us security while also potentially serving as measures that stimulate our domestic economy and support the development of new companies, strengthening the industrial base in the production of specialized equipment. This will create excellent job opportunities and meet the need for diversification of production capacities,” Mucunski said.

According to the Foreign Minister, these are “historic, generational decisions” that will remain relevant for future governments and ensure long-term stability under NATO’s protection. 

Photo/Video: MIA