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4w ago

Spain Rejects Trump’s Call for 5% NATO Spending, Keeps 2.1% Defense Budget

Coalition partners argue that raising defense spending to 5% would jeopardize social programs in the face of US tariff threats

Econsejero de Hacienda, Administraciones Públicas y Transformación Digital, Juan Alfonso Ruiz Molina,
La vicepresidenta segunda del Gobierno, Yolanda Díaz

Overview

  • Spain’s government has refused to boost defense outlays to 5% of GDP and will stick to a 2.1% spending target endorsed at the recent NATO summit in The Hague.
  • A Gestha analysis finds that meeting a 5% benchmark would add about €107.2 billion in military expenses between 2026 and 2028, compared with roughly €9.4 billion under the 2.1% plan.
  • Vice President Yolanda Díaz affirmed Spain’s fiscal sovereignty, insisting that social spending remains the government’s top priority over higher military budgets.
  • Sumar has formally backed Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s stance, confirming it will not support any increase in defense spending beyond the 2.1% commitment.
  • Castilla-La Mancha’s finance minister said the 2.1% level is sufficient for NATO obligations and warned a 5% target would undermine essential social policies.