Spain will have to increase its defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product. This was stated by European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius, quoted by "Reuters", reports News.bg.
European countries are increasingly succumbing to pressure from former US President Donald Trump to increase their military budgets. The 23 European Union member states are expected to agree on a new, higher target above the current 2% of GDP at the upcoming NATO summit in June.
According to Kubilius, Spain should aim for 3% to contribute to Europe's defense capabilities and counter potential Russian aggression. He stressed that the Spanish government's task will be to "find a way to increase defense spending in the near future."
At the same time, Donald Trump, who is once again active on the international stage, is pushing NATO allies to increase their military spending to 5% of GDP.
In 2024, Spain spent just 1.3% of its GDP on defense - the lowest level among NATO members. However, the government has said it will meet the Alliance's 2% target this year - far ahead of the original 2029 deadline.
Domestic sentiment, however, is mixed. The far-left Sumar party, the junior coalition partner of the ruling Socialists, opposes the increase to 2%.