Spain is a “reliable partner” in NATO, Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in response to criticism from US President Donald Trump that the country is not meeting its financial commitments to the defense alliance. According to Sanchez, Spain has increased its defense spending by 70% over the past decade, and investment in new equipment has already reached 30%, which is above NATO's 20% target, BTA reports.
Sánchez also highlighted the Spanish army's participation in alliance operations, which is “well above average“.
Discussion of higher defense spending targets at Hague meeting
This summer, NATO allies will meet in The Hague to discuss the possibility of increasing defense spending, with the current target of 2% of GDP potentially being exceeded. Donald Trump is pushing for a new target of 5% of GDP, but no NATO country is currently meeting it.
Inadequate spending in the context of other NATO countries
In 2024, Spain spent $22.27 billion on defense, which is 1.28% of GDP. Although this amount is the tenth largest in the alliance, it remains below the level required to guarantee the security of the alliance. The lower defense investment was also criticized by Donald Trump, who incorrectly believed that Spain was part of the BRICS group.
Trump stressed that Spain was “at a very low level”, but left the topic open for further discussions on the commitments of member states to NATO.