Overview

• Defense Minister Margarita Robles reaffirmed that Spain will aim for about 2% of GDP on defense rather than the 5% advocated by President Donald Trump, arguing such a jump is neither realistic nor desirable.
• She highlighted a €10.471 billion industrial and technological plan that will channel funding to Catalonia for cybersecurity, innovation, communications and quantum technologies.
• Robles said meeting the 2% commitment requires nearly €23 billion, presenting the push as an economic opportunity tied to high-skilled employment.
• The minister ruled out reinstating conscription, stressing that Spain will maintain fully professional armed forces.
• The Navy vessel Furor is monitoring a flotilla headed toward Gaza to assist only in emergencies and will stay outside Israel’s declared exclusion zone.