NoToNATO actions are being organised by WILPFers for the NATO Counter Summit taking place from 21–22 June in Den Haag (The Hague), The Netherlands.
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a destabilizing force that promotes militarization and provokes war. Its existence increases the likelihood of wars, including nuclear conflicts. NATO’s hostility toward the few significant non-member militaries fuels arms races and conflicts. The commitment of NATO members to join each other’s wars and NATO’s pursuit of enemies far from the North Atlantic risk global destruction.
The No to NATO campaign is a global initiative advocating for the abolition of NATO through disarmament and organised actions against NATO activities. WILPFers from countries including the US, Italy, Finland, Germany, Canada, and the UK have joined this campaign in their activism against disarmament and nuclear weapons.
Move the Money: Denounce Military Spending!
The Move the Money: Denounce Military Spending campaign is part of the No to NATO actions for the summit. As the cost of living rises, governments claim there’s no money—except for militaries, police, and border control. Meanwhile, vital funding for housing, education, and social care is cut. Is this what security looks like? Peace grows from social investment, not weapons. It’s time to #MoveTheMoney!
This campaign, originally launched in 2018 with the toolkit #MoveTheMoney: From War to Gender Equality, is being relaunched in 2025 as part of the counter-NATO actions, denouncing military spending and global trends of militarisation.
The Facts
- World military expenditure reached $2718 billion in 2024, which is the highest global total ever recorded (SIPRI, 2025).
- Global military expenditure increased 9.4 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023. This is the highest year-on-year rise since the end of the Cold War.
- The top five military spenders are: The United States, China, Russia, Germany and India, were 60 per cent of the global total, with combined spending of $1.635 trillion.
- All NATO members increased their military spending in 2024 (excluding Iceland, which has no military expenditure).
- Over 100 countries increased their military spending in 2024.
- Several countries are cutting down on investments in social wellbeing as well as their Official Development Assistance that support the work on gender equality and peace around the world.
WILPF’s Stance
- WILPF has been denouncing military spending and military alliances since our beginnings.
- We believe the main impediment to peace and justice are the private profits of the war machine.
- Investing in care, environmental sustainability, human rights, gender equality and universal social protection are key for inclusive and thriving societies.
- We know that investing in people and the planet will bring sustainable peace.
Get Involved
Sunday 22, 17:00 CET: “All Over the World Women Say No to NATO” join this hybrid panel discussion organised by Global Women Against NATO, with speakers from all around the world standing against NATO and military alliances. Register here for online participation.
