Spain will be excluded from NATO? He spends besides small on defense

Donald Trump at a gathering at the White home with Finland's leader Alexander Stubb said that the withdrawal of American soldiers from Europe could affect the way forces were deployed, but he warned that they could stay a small shifted.

In more decisive words, the president of the United States referred to Spain, criticising it for insufficient defence spending. – They have no reason not to. said Trump. – Maybe you should, frankly, kick them out of NATO. – he added.

In fresh times, Spain has been criticized by NATO members for its reluctance to devote 5% of GDP to defence. In June, U.S. president Donald Trump expressed a strong position on this issue, stating that Spain is the only country that does not full fulfil its commitment and maintains spending levels of 2% of GDP. He added that he considered it unacceptable and defined the situation as stowaway.

Less means more?

The Spanish government stressed that spending of 2.1% of GDP is adequate to meet the demands of the North Atlantic Alliance.

We respect the sovereignty of all ally in the allocation of its resources, but it makes no sense for Spain to allocate 5% of GDP. Spending billions of euros would not make us better allies said Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez in June.

According to the Prime Minister of Spain, it is more crucial in terms of defence spending better than spending more. Sanchez estimated that expanding spending on the army to 5% of GDP would force the country to spend EUR 350 billion, which would entail expanding taxes and reducing welfare state benefits, including unemployment benefits.

The Spanish authorities besides pointed out the active engagement of their forces in missions to the east flank of NATO. At the beginning of the year, defence minister Margarita Robles stressed that Spain is a serious, credible, liable and committed NATO member.

In a akin speech spokeswoman of the Spanish government Pilar Alegria. – Spain and Europe see the US as a natural ally and we will do our best to keep this transatlantic bond – she said.

Let us remind that in 2024 Spain spent only 1.24 percent of GDP on defence.