Spain’s Prime Minister Skirts NATO Defense Spending Goals
MADRID — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez left the recent NATO summit with what many see as a controversial opt-out from increasing defense spending. He also returned to Spain facing fresh warnings of potential tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump.
During the summit, NATO allies agreed to a significant increase in defense budgets, targeting 5% of GDP. However, Sánchez managed to secure an exemption, committing Spain to a spending increase of only 2.1%, which he labeled as "sufficient and realistic."
President Trump has openly criticized Spain’s stance, suggesting that the country is looking for a free pass and hinted that this might lead to higher tariffs on Spanish goods. "Spain will have to pay it back to us on trade," he remarked.
There are questions about the potential consequences of Sánchez’s decisions both internationally and domestically. As he navigates increasing pressure at home over corruption scandals involving his inner circle, there are growing calls for early elections. Despite this, Sánchez has opted not to act on those demands.
Political analyst Montserrat Nebrera noted, "To Trump’s tough stance, Sánchez responds with similar defiance. He’s juggling internal pressures while also trying to appease critics of increased defense spending within his party."
Spain was the lowest NATO spender last year, at just 1.28% of GDP, and even after announcing a goal of 2%, some within his own party expressed dissatisfaction. Antonio Garamendi, head of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, has criticized Sánchez’s decision, stressing the importance of aligning with allies.
“There’s a risk we could see tariffs that would impact our most vulnerable industries, such as steel, cars, and olive oil,” Garamendi said. These industries could be significantly affected if the U.S. pursues penalties on Spanish imports, a concern that many share as Spain continues to balance its international relationships.
As the political landscape evolves, how Sánchez’s approach will impact Spain’s standing within NATO and its economy remains uncertain.
