Spain has refused to endorse a proposed NATO target requiring member states to spend 5% of their GDP on defense, risking friction ahead of next week’s alliance summit in The Hague.
In a letter sent Thursday to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Sánchez said Spain “cannot commit to a specific spending target in terms of GDP,” proposing instead a more flexible or optional approach. The move could potentially derail the upcoming NATO summit, which will be attended by US President Donald Trump and other key allies.
Spain spent less than 2% of GDP on defense last year, the lowest in the trans-Atlantic alliance. Although Sánchez pledged in April to raise defense spending by €10.5 billion in 2025 to meet NATO’s existing 2% target, he argued that jumping to 5% would divert critical resources from public services and Spain’s green transition efforts.
“For Spain, committing to a 5% target would not only be unreasonable, but also counterproductive,” Sánchez wrote, adding that such a policy “would hinder the EU's ongoing efforts to strengthen its own security and defense ecosystem.”
While most NATO allies appear ready to back the new US-led initiative—designed to counter Russia’s growing threat—Spain has pushed for consensus-based decision-making and advocated for more sustainable, tailored approaches to national defense.
The proposed 5% spending framework includes 3.5% for core military needs such as tanks, fighter jets, and missile systems, and 1.5% for logistical and civilian infrastructure improvements to support rapid military deployment and societal readiness.
Sánchez's stance comes amid rising domestic pressure due to ongoing corruption scandals involving his inner circle and family. Increased defense spending has also sparked criticism from members of his governing coalition, particularly those on the left.
The NATO summit is scheduled to begin next week in The Hague.
A powerful sandstorm sweeping across Gaza has further worsened living conditions for displaced Palestinians already struggling amid a deep humanitaria...
Europe needs to develop global partnerships with key nations to tackle global problems together, chancellor tells Munich Security Conference...
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about the emergence of a new world order at the Munich Security Conference. In response to a question by An...
Day 7 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered thrilling performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable moments across ice, snow and tra...
AnewZ's Orkhan Amashov reports from Munich as the three-day Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday (13 February), bringing together world lea...
A powerful sandstorm sweeping across Gaza has further worsened living conditions for displaced Palestinians already struggling amid a deep humanitarian crisis.
Europe needs to develop global partnerships with key nations to tackle global problems together, chancellor tells Munich Security Conference
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev spoke about the emergence of a new world order at the Munich Security Conference. In response to a question by AnewZ's Orkhan Amashov, he discussed the creation of the Board of Peace, launched in Davos and its upcoming first summit in Washington.
Day 7 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered thrilling performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable moments across ice, snow and tracks.
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, on Friday (13 February), amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
Stalled U.S.–Iran talks and mounting regional tensions are exposing a growing strategic rift between Washington and Tel Aviv over how to confront Tehran, political analyst James M. Dorsey says, exposing stark differences in approach at a critical moment.
Türkiye and Greece signalled renewed political will to ease long-standing tensions during high-level talks in Ankara on Wednesday (11 February). Maritime borders, migration and trade topped the agenda as both leaders struck a cautiously optimistic tone.
BMW is recalling a mid six figure number of vehicles worldwide after identifying a potential fire risk linked to the starter motor.
The suspect in a deadly school shooting in western Canada was an 18-year-old woman who allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school. Investigators have not provided a motive for what is being described as one of the worst mass killings in Canada.
As Cuba’s government prepares for American aggression, residents say economic hardship worries them more than the threat of war. Tensions between Cuba and the U.S. have escalated sharply this year, as Washington steps up sanctions and threatens regime change.
The meetings will reportedly focus on potential and proposed trade cooperation between Moscow and Washington. Presidential envoy will hold discussions with U.S. officials in Switzerland aimed at restoring bilateral trade relations.
Europe needs to develop global partnerships with key nations to tackle global problems together, chancellor tells Munich Security Conference
Day 7 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics delivered thrilling performances, stunning visuals and unforgettable moments across ice, snow and tracks.
AnewZ's Orkhan Amashov reports from Munich as the three-day Munich Security Conference kicked off on Friday (13 February), bringing together world leaders, diplomats, and policy makers to discuss pressing global security challenges.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment