Germany has said it supports a higher defense spending target even though this could leave Europe's largest economy in fiscal hot water.

NATO meets for its annual summit this week, and the U.S. is pushing for allies to sharply increase their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product.

Germany has said it supports a higher defense spending target even though this could leave Europe's largest economy in fiscal hot water.

NATO allies have reportedly agreed to hike their defense spending to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. One chart shows what a big ask that is.

The increase was announced hours before a NATO meeting during which member countries are expected to agree to raise military spending to 5 percent of their G.D.P.

NATO members have been facing pressure, particularly from ally Washington, to more than double their defense spending target.

The move will come into effect by 2035 and follows long-term pressure from President Trump.

The bloc agrees to boost spending to 5% of GDP, but Spain, Belgium and Slovakia say they will struggle to meet target.

The decision by NATO members on Wednesday to spend five percent of their GDP on defence could shift budget priorities.