Lorraine Williamson
As global tensions simmer and defence alliances tighten, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has made it clear: Spain will not be granted special treatment when it comes to increasing its military spending. Speaking in The Hague on the eve of the NATO summit, Rutte stated firmly that all member nations – including Spain – must align with the alliance’s financial and strategic commitments.
Spain currently invests just 1.28% of its GDP in defence — the lowest of any NATO member. The alliance anticipates that figure to increase substantially in the coming years.
NATO pushes for a 3.5% defence spend by Spain
While Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has advocated for a more measured approach, suggesting 2.1% as a more viable target, NATO leadership remains unpersuaded. Rutte underscored that although countries can chart their own path, the end goal remains fixed: by 2035, Spain is expected to commit at least 3.5% of its GDP to defence – well above its current level.
The broader NATO objective aims for 5% by that date, though member states have the flexibility to reach this through their own strategies. Rutte, however, was unequivocal: “Every ally must take responsibility.”
Mid-term review and increased scrutiny
A formal review in 2029 will gauge how closely nations are tracking towards these targets. Until then, all member states must regularly submit detailed progress reports, outlining not only budgets but also investment plans and defence readiness improvements.
This reflects growing pressure, particularly from the United States, for European members to shoulder a fairer share of NATO’s collective security burden.
Rising global tensions drive urgency
The call for greater defence investment comes amid a backdrop of war in Ukraine, instability along NATO’s borders, and increasing geopolitical friction with authoritarian regimes. These developments have prompted a strategic reassessment within the alliance.
For Spain, the pressure is now on to shift from one of NATO’s lowest contributors to a more central role in Europe’s defence apparatus — both financially and operationally.
Summit schedule and global focus
The NATO summit runs from Tuesday, 24 June, through Thursday, 26 June, with world leaders set to convene for a key closed-door session on Wednesday morning. Spain’s stance, and the extent of its willingness to adapt to NATO’s expectations, will be closely watched both at home and abroad.
Strategic pressure mounts for Spain
With NATO tightening its focus and unity more vital than ever, Spain faces a critical decision: adapt to the alliance’s demands or risk losing influence at the defence table. The coming months will be decisive as the Sánchez government balances political realities with growing international expectations.