Overview

• NATO's official report for 2024 places Spain's defense spending at 1.24% of GDP, the lowest among member nations, contradicting the Spanish government's claim of 1.4% or revised 1.43%.
• The Spanish government has proposed a €10.471 billion plan to reach 2% of GDP in defense spending by 2025, four years ahead of its original timeline.
• Military associations and experts have criticized the plan for its lack of detailed strategy, unclear financing, and insufficient focus on improving conditions for armed forces personnel.
• President Pedro Sánchez is set to brief the Spanish Congress on May 7 about the defense plan, though he maintains it does not require parliamentary approval.
• NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has called for member nations to aim for defense spending well above 3% of GDP, increasing pressure on Spain and other allies ahead of the June summit in The Hague.