Spain Considers Accelerating Defense Spending to Meet NATO Targets
Under pressure from the EU and NATO, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez explores options to reach a 2% defense spending target by 2029.
In response to increasing pressure from NATO and the European Union, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is contemplating advancing the country’s defense spending with the aim of achieving the current target of 2% of GDP by 2029. This potential shift comes amid significant calls for enhanced military investment due to ongoing security concerns in Europe.
Sánchez has scheduled a meeting for next Thursday with Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, and other parliamentary leaders—excluding Vox—to discuss military investment and the situation in Ukraine.
This meeting aims to inform the political leaders about the government's forthcoming actions regarding defense spending and support for Ukraine.
Currently, Spain ranks last among the 32 NATO member countries regarding military expenditure, having reached only 1.28% of its GDP in 2024. This figure remains significantly below the 2% target set by NATO and the EU. In discussions on future goals, some leaders, such as Donald Trump, have proposed an even higher target of 5%, while EU and NATO officials suggest aiming for 3.5%.
Sánchez faces dual challenges in accelerating defense investments: political opposition and economic constraints.
His coalition partner, Sumar, and various parliamentary allies oppose a rapid increase in military expenditure, complicating necessary budget approvals since 2023. Economically, Spain's capacity to enhance its military budget is constrained by its substantial debt levels, making it the fourth most indebted EU member state, following Greece, Italy, and France.
Amid these challenges, Sánchez has reiterated the need for increased EU funding for defense during the recent European Council meeting held in Brussels.
So far, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a €150 billion loan mechanism for member states, but Spain and other countries like France are seeking grants that would not add to their national debt.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also issued warnings related to Spain's defense spending, hinting at potential diplomatic repercussions from the U.S. if the country does not hasten toward the 2% target.
Rutte emphasized the importance of all member states to step up their military budgets, remarking, "If you do not respond to my calls, you may receive calls from a very friendly man in Washington, who is more urgent in what he wants to achieve."
In light of the mounting European pressures, the Spanish government maintains that the effectiveness of defense spending holds more significance than just the overall percentage of GDP. Sánchez asserts that Spain exceeds NATO's secondary benchmark, which advises that a minimum of 20% of military budgets should be allocated toward enhancing military capabilities.
Additionally, Spain is actively engaged in various NATO missions and operations, including deployments in Latvia, Slovakia, and Iraq.
Sánchez has scheduled a meeting for next Thursday with Alberto Núñez Feijóo, leader of the People's Party, and other parliamentary leaders—excluding Vox—to discuss military investment and the situation in Ukraine.
This meeting aims to inform the political leaders about the government's forthcoming actions regarding defense spending and support for Ukraine.
Currently, Spain ranks last among the 32 NATO member countries regarding military expenditure, having reached only 1.28% of its GDP in 2024. This figure remains significantly below the 2% target set by NATO and the EU. In discussions on future goals, some leaders, such as Donald Trump, have proposed an even higher target of 5%, while EU and NATO officials suggest aiming for 3.5%.
Sánchez faces dual challenges in accelerating defense investments: political opposition and economic constraints.
His coalition partner, Sumar, and various parliamentary allies oppose a rapid increase in military expenditure, complicating necessary budget approvals since 2023. Economically, Spain's capacity to enhance its military budget is constrained by its substantial debt levels, making it the fourth most indebted EU member state, following Greece, Italy, and France.
Amid these challenges, Sánchez has reiterated the need for increased EU funding for defense during the recent European Council meeting held in Brussels.
So far, EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has proposed a €150 billion loan mechanism for member states, but Spain and other countries like France are seeking grants that would not add to their national debt.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has also issued warnings related to Spain's defense spending, hinting at potential diplomatic repercussions from the U.S. if the country does not hasten toward the 2% target.
Rutte emphasized the importance of all member states to step up their military budgets, remarking, "If you do not respond to my calls, you may receive calls from a very friendly man in Washington, who is more urgent in what he wants to achieve."
In light of the mounting European pressures, the Spanish government maintains that the effectiveness of defense spending holds more significance than just the overall percentage of GDP. Sánchez asserts that Spain exceeds NATO's secondary benchmark, which advises that a minimum of 20% of military budgets should be allocated toward enhancing military capabilities.
Additionally, Spain is actively engaged in various NATO missions and operations, including deployments in Latvia, Slovakia, and Iraq.
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