Madrid (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo said on Wednesday that his country doesn’t expect any fallout from not meeting the NATO defense spending target of 5% of GDP, which was set at a recent summit in The Hague.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez stated on Sunday that his nation will not spend more than 2.1% of its GDP on defense since it does not need to increase expenditure in order to meet its military obligations to NATO.
“Spain will be a responsible ally,”
Cuerpo stated in an interview, as he highlighted the country would fulfill all its military capabilities obligations towards NATO.
“No repercussions should derive from making good on our commitments and from being a reliable NATO ally, covering for the capabilities that we did commit to and that are necessary to defend NATO from the different threats that have been identified by experts,”
Cuerpo said.
What is NATO’s new defense spending benchmark?
NATO leaders are set to endorse a significant increase in their defense spending target, raising the goal to 5% of GDP by 2035. This decision comes in direct response to demands from U.S. President Donald Trump and heightened European concerns about Russia’s growing threat, especially following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The current NATO defense spending goal is 2% of GDP, which many members have struggled to meet. The new 5% target represents a substantial increase and will be measured using a broader definition of defense-related expenditures.
How did NATO Secretary General respond to Spain’s position?
Additionally, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated on Wednesday that he’s not worried about Spain’s compliance with the NATO spending plan.
Speaking as leaders came for the NATO meeting in The Hague, Rutte stated,
“I’m not worried about Spain. These are difficult decisions. Politicians have discussions.”
Rutte authorized the coalition to commit “trillions extra” under a fresh strategic initiative, noting the critical need for action due to global tensions.
He expressed confidence that, despite internal clashes, all members—including Spain—share the necessity.
“I have conviction that given the strengthened international situation, we have to do this,”
He said.
How did Spain’s prime minister justify Spain’s defense stance?
A few days ago, Spain struck a deal with NATO to be exempt from the alliance’s 5% of GDP defense spending target, just days before the military group’s leaders meet at a summit, Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said Sunday.
“Spain will, therefore, not spend 5% of its GDP on defense, but its participation, weight, and legitimacy in NATO remain intact,”
Sánchez stated in a televised address. According to Sánchez, Spain can meet its obligations to the 32-nation military alliance by allocating 2.1% of its GDP to defense needs.
