Spain's Stance on NATO Defense Spending Amid International Pressure
The Spanish government, led by Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo and Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, maintains it will not adhere to NATO's proposed 5% GDP defense spending target. Despite NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte's differing view, a diplomatic compromise aims to ensure smooth summit proceedings and satisfy US demands.
Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo asserted on Wednesday that Spain anticipates no repercussions from its decision to resist NATO's suggested defense spending target of 5% of GDP. Speaking on Bloomberg TV, Cuerpo emphasized Spain's commitment to being a dependable NATO ally, meeting its military capabilities obligations.
Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, in a statement on Sunday, conveyed that Spain would limit its defense spending to 2.1% of GDP, aligning with its current commitments to NATO. This decision diverges from NATO's prospective endorsement of a higher defense expenditure, a reaction to US President Donald Trump's insistence and growing security concerns posed by Russia.
While NATO General Secretary Mark Rutte acknowledges Spain's stance with some disagreement, a diplomatic accord with Sanchez is part of efforts to appease Trump and ensure the summit progresses without conflict.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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