Spain Rejects NATO’s Defence Spending Proposal Ahead of Summit
Madrid, Spain – In a significant move, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has firmly rejected NATO’s proposal for member states to ramp up their defense spending to 5% of GDP. During a session in the Lower House of Parliament, Sánchez criticized the proposal, stating that it would be “not only unreasonable but also counterproductive.” He emphasized the need for a more flexible approach regarding defense spending targets, suggesting that NATO should allow for optional commitments rather than a mandatory percentage.
The contentious proposal, put forward by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, was designed to address former President Donald Trump’s insistence on a 5% target, which includes a suggested increase of 3.5% for defense and an additional 1.5% for broader security initiatives. Sánchez articulated concerns that such a leap in spending would undermine Spain’s welfare state and the European Union’s ongoing efforts to bolster its security infrastructure.
Currently, Spain’s defense budget stands at around 1.3% of its GDP, significantly below NATO’s existing target of 2%. The Spanish government proposed instead a modest target of 2.1%.
This announcement comes ahead of the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, which is set to focus on global security issues. Notably, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to be in attendance as Ukraine continues to grapple with persistent Russian drone attacks, including a recent strike in the Black Sea city of Odesa that claimed one life and injured at least 14 individuals.
As debates on defense priorities intensify, Spain remains steadfast in its position, choosing to balance national security needs with its broader social commitments. This unfolds amid rising tensions in Europe, as leaders prepare for crucial dialogues at the NATO summit next week.
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