Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares Meets U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio Ahead of NATO Meeting
Albares and Rubio discuss bilateral relations, security, and trade as Spain prepares for NATO ministerial talks amid scrutiny over defense spending.
On April 2, 2025, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares held a significant conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, marking the first direct discussion between the two officials since Donald Trump's recent inauguration as President of the United States on January 20. This meeting, described as 'excellent' by Albares on social media, lasted approximately 30 minutes and took place just hours before President Trump announced tariffs affecting all European Union partners.
The dialogue was initiated after a previous conversation on March 31, 2025, between their respective deputy foreign ministers, Diego Martínez Belío and Christopher Landau.
Following this official contact with the new U.S. administration, the State Department emphasized the United States' expectation for Spain to increase its defense spending in alignment with NATO commitments.
These commitments involve achieving a defense expenditure of 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2029. In 2024, Spain's defense spending was recorded at just 1.28% of GDP, putting it among the lowest contributors within NATO ranks.
The Spanish government has committed to reach this target by 2029, although specific timelines have yet to be specified.
Notably, Trump previously suggested that the minimum spending should be raised to 5%.
Albares characterized the conversation as 'cordial' but did not provide further details regarding the level of dissatisfaction communicated by the U.S. regarding Spain's military spending.
In his social media post, Albares noted that the discussion encompassed various topics, including Spain-U.S. relations, the importance of the transatlantic partnership, and cooperation in security and trade, as well as shared concerns regarding Latin America.
Pending developments revealed that the U.S. had recently moved to revoke permits allowing Spanish oil company Repsol SA to operate in Venezuela.
Although Albares did not specify whether this issue was discussed, he previously stated that the government intends to defend Repsol's interests.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the conversation included discussions on Spanish corporate interests, particularly those relating to Repsol.
In the days leading up to the call, Albares was reportedly in continuous contact with Repsol’s CEO, Josu Jon Imaz, who acknowledged an 'open dialogue' with the Trump administration concerning the viability of Venezuelan oil exports.
Additional topics reportedly covered in the discussion included energy flows, euro-Atlantic trade, and migration.
In a separate but related development, Spain announced it would cease its leadership of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (FINUL) at the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of General Aroldo Lázaro's command over approximately 11,000 military personnel from 50 countries, including 650 Spanish troops.
The appointment of a successor to General Lázaro has yet to be determined.
The dialogue was initiated after a previous conversation on March 31, 2025, between their respective deputy foreign ministers, Diego Martínez Belío and Christopher Landau.
Following this official contact with the new U.S. administration, the State Department emphasized the United States' expectation for Spain to increase its defense spending in alignment with NATO commitments.
These commitments involve achieving a defense expenditure of 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by 2029. In 2024, Spain's defense spending was recorded at just 1.28% of GDP, putting it among the lowest contributors within NATO ranks.
The Spanish government has committed to reach this target by 2029, although specific timelines have yet to be specified.
Notably, Trump previously suggested that the minimum spending should be raised to 5%.
Albares characterized the conversation as 'cordial' but did not provide further details regarding the level of dissatisfaction communicated by the U.S. regarding Spain's military spending.
In his social media post, Albares noted that the discussion encompassed various topics, including Spain-U.S. relations, the importance of the transatlantic partnership, and cooperation in security and trade, as well as shared concerns regarding Latin America.
Pending developments revealed that the U.S. had recently moved to revoke permits allowing Spanish oil company Repsol SA to operate in Venezuela.
Although Albares did not specify whether this issue was discussed, he previously stated that the government intends to defend Repsol's interests.
Diplomatic sources confirmed that the conversation included discussions on Spanish corporate interests, particularly those relating to Repsol.
In the days leading up to the call, Albares was reportedly in continuous contact with Repsol’s CEO, Josu Jon Imaz, who acknowledged an 'open dialogue' with the Trump administration concerning the viability of Venezuelan oil exports.
Additional topics reportedly covered in the discussion included energy flows, euro-Atlantic trade, and migration.
In a separate but related development, Spain announced it would cease its leadership of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon (FINUL) at the end of June 2025, coinciding with the conclusion of General Aroldo Lázaro's command over approximately 11,000 military personnel from 50 countries, including 650 Spanish troops.
The appointment of a successor to General Lázaro has yet to be determined.
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