Spain’s Defense Spending in NATO Spotlight Amid Trump Demand
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has sought an exemption from NATO spending requirements, asserting that Madrid does not need to allocate as much funding to fulfill its defense obligations. This request comes as former U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to impose higher tariffs on Spain, demanding a more substantial military investment, reports 24brussels.
In 2024, Spain will maintain the lowest military expenditure of any NATO member, dedicating only 1.3 percent of its GDP to defense. Contrary to Trump’s claims, only a handful of NATO allies, including Poland, currently meet the target of spending 5 percent of their GDP on military capabilities. Allies have until 2035 to meet this commitment under NATO’s guidelines.
Earlier this year, Sánchez drew criticism from fellow EU nations by suggesting that Moscow does not represent an immediate security threat to Spain. Trump’s reactions have been harsh, labeling Sánchez’s position as “unbelievably disrespectful” and suggesting punitive measures against Spain for its defense budget decisions.
In April, Sánchez pledged to increase defense spending to 2 percent of GDP by the end of 2025 to align with NATO expectations, pressured by both Brussels and Washington. However, this commitment still falls significantly short of Trump’s renewed demand for a 5 percent allocation.
Trump’s dissatisfaction with NATO members’ defense spending has been a recurring theme since his first term. Notably, he raised the issue during a recent event in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, linking discussions on the Gaza ceasefire to commitments from NATO leaders regarding military spending levels in their respective countries.
