Madrid — Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday that the country would hit NATO’s defense spending benchmark this year. This move comes amid increasing calls for the eurozone’s fourth-largest economy to enhance its military budget.
Sánchez stated that Spain’s government will increase defense expenditure by 10.5 billion euros (approximately $12 billion) to achieve NATO’s 2% of GDP goal. The funding is earmarked for telecommunications, cybersecurity, and military equipment procurement. Additional resources will also be allocated to raising salaries and increasing troop numbers.
Last year, Spain recorded the lowest defense spending in proportion to GDP among NATO members. Initially, Spain committed to meeting the 2% target by 2029. However, growing tensions within the transatlantic alliance—and a clear insistence from the Trump administration on reallocating security priorities—have urged a faster timeline.
U.S. President Donald Trump has frequently criticized European allies for inadequate defense contributions and has advocated for increased spending, suggesting NATO allies spend up to 5% of GDP.
In response to what he described as a “changing era,” Sánchez highlighted the necessity for Spain to “take control of our own destiny” and support Europe’s efforts to bolster defense capabilities.
“If you had asked me some years ago about the priorities of my government in security and defense, my answer would certainly have been different,” Sánchez remarked. “This change isn’t because our values have altered, but rather because the world we live in has transformed.”
Despite leading a minority government partnered with a hard-left coalition that stands against military spending increases, Sánchez indicated that his defense spending augmentations will proceed without Parliamentary approval.