Spain Seeks Flexibility on NATO Defense Spending Target
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has urged NATO to consider a more flexible approach to defense spending targets, proposing to exclude Spain from the 5% GDP requirement. Sanchez argues that such a target is incompatible with Spain's welfare priorities and estimates a 2.1% GDP spending is sufficient.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is appealing to NATO for flexibility regarding defense spending targets, as highlighted in a letter sent to NATO chief Mark Rutte. Reuters obtained the letter on Thursday.
Sanchez has requested that NATO either make the 5% of GDP defense spending target optional or exclude Spain entirely from this requirement. He argues that committing to such a target would be unreasonable and counterproductive, as it could detract from optimal spending and hinder the European Union's efforts to enhance its security and defense ecosystem.
Sanchez further stated that the proposed target, introduced by the United States, clashes with Spain's welfare state and world vision. According to Madrid's estimates, spending 2.1% of GDP would suffice to meet Spain's military investment needs, Sanchez indicated in the letter.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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