In 2023, 11 NATO countries, including the US and the UK, met the alliance’s defence spending benchmark, enhancing collective security. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and Wales celebrate significant wins in Euro 2025 football qualifiers.
In 2023, 11 NATO member countries, including heavyweights like the US and UK, successfully met their defence spending targets of 2% of GDP, a benchmark for commitment to the alliance’s collective security. The US topped the spending chart at 3.24%, with other notable contributors being Poland (3.92%), Greece, Estonia, and Lithuania. The UK also reached this target, allocating 2.28% of its GDP to defence. This figure is anticipated to grow, with expectations that 18 countries will achieve or surpass this spending target by 2024. Such financial commitments are crucial for the alliance’s readiness and effectiveness amidst global security challenges.
On the football front, Northern Ireland’s women’s team celebrated their first win in the Euro 2025 qualifying campaign, overcoming Bosnia-Herzegovina with a 3-1 victory. The match, marked by the absence of their manager Tanya Oxtoby, saw goals from Lauren Wade, Megan Bell, and Simone Magill, pushing the team forward in their quest for qualification. They are now optimistically setting their sights on the next games, including a challenging encounter with top seed Portugal.
Simultaneously, the Wales women’s national team showcased their prowess in the Euro 2025 qualifiers with an emphatic 6-0 win against Kosovo. Jess Fishlock, on her 150th cap for Wales, proved instrumental by providing two assists, contributing to the team’s dominant performance. Under the new leadership of coach Rhian Wilkinson, Wales has adopted an attacking style of play, earning them full points from their opening two matches. Fishlock’s milestone and Wilkinson’s guidance have positioned Wales strongly in their group, fueling aspirations for a spot in the Euro 2025 tournament.
