NATO has confirmed that Spain can maintain flexibility in military capacity objectives without needing to raise defence spending to five percent of its GDP. President Pedro Sánchez has described this agreement as very positive, arguing that a higher spending requirement would be disproportionate and detrimental to the welfare state. He emphasised that such increases could force Spain into undesirable financial decisions, affecting taxation and social spending.

The agreement was reached following successful diplomatic negotiations with NATO, reinforcing Spain’s position while also ensuring the country’s sovereignty. The Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, had previously requested member states to allocate three point five percent of GDP to defence, alongside an additional one point five percent for strategic security. However, Spain conveyed its opposition to this spending increase through official correspondence, stressing its commitment to NATO while ensuring existing welfare structures remain intact.

With the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, the draft agreement is anticipated to include terms like “capability commitments” instead of strict percentage requirements, allowing for more flexibility among member states. Sánchez asserted that Spain remains committed to fulfilling military capability objectives, independent of the exact proportion of GDP that entails.

Ultimately, the agreement fosters a balance between military spending and social welfare, countering pressures for extensive increases. Sánchez reiterated that a higher defence budget would not only compromise economic stability but also diminish Spain’s capacity to invest in its citizens’ needs. The deal highlights Spain’s commitment to NATO while recognising the nuances of national circumstances in military funding.