Spain states NATO’s 5 percent spending demand ‘absolutely impossible’

(MENAFN) Spain has firmly dismissed calls from NATO and U.S. President Donald Trump to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling the target "absolutely impossible." Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles told lawmakers on Friday that European nations lack the industrial capacity to meet such a demand, which was recently proposed by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte during the alliance’s summit.

Robles addressed the Senate Defense Commission, stating, “No industry is currently capable of absorbing 5% in defense spending. We can say whatever we want, but the capacity just isn’t there.” She emphasized that while goals can be set, the European defense sector lacks both the skilled labor force and access to essential raw materials needed to scale up production—even if adequate funding were available.

Spain had instead proposed a more attainable defense spending target of 2.1%. In 2023, the country spent just 1.28% of its GDP on defense—the lowest among NATO members—compared to 4.12% by Poland. Robles argued that such comparisons are misleading and fail to reflect each country’s specific context.

She also noted that other NATO allies share Spain's concerns about the unrealistic target but are reluctant to speak publicly. “Spain is a serious, reliable, and responsible ally,” Robles added during a speech at Madrid’s Higher Center for Defense Studies. She criticized Trump for applying pressure on Spain, suggesting he should instead use his influence to help resolve the war in Ukraine.

Trump previously claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 24 hours, though he has since admitted that the situation is more complex than anticipated. Moscow continues to view NATO's plans to admit Ukraine as a direct threat to its national security, framing the conflict as a proxy war orchestrated by the West.

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