All NATO Countries Agree to 5% Defense Spending Declaration, Including Spain

NATO Reaches Consensus on Defense Spending

All NATO member states, including Spain, have agreed to a new draft declaration on defense spending, diplomats confirmed. The agreement includes a commitment to increase defense expenditures to 5% of GDP over time, a demand initially pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Spain's Initial Resistance

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez had previously opposed the 5% target, calling it "unreasonable" and "counterproductive." However, after adjustments to the text and assurances to Spain, Madrid has now given its approval. The compromise allows member states the flexibility to determine their own funding needs to meet collective NATO goals, provided those goals are achieved.

Textual Adjustments

The final declaration, to be signed in The Hague this Wednesday, retains the 5% benchmark but with nuanced language. The phrase "we commit" has been replaced with "allies commit," offering more flexibility. This change was crucial to securing Spain's agreement, despite pressure from some NATO members, including the U.S. and Eastern European countries, for stricter terms.

Dutch Proposal

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte proposed splitting the 5% target into 3.5% for direct defense spending and 1.5% for related infrastructure, a move aimed at easing concerns among reluctant members. Rutte emphasized the need for unity, stating that without compromise, the summit risked ending without tangible results.

Expert Insight

NATO correspondent Kysia Hekster noted that while the alliance believes the 5% target is necessary to meet collective goals, Spain remains convinced it can achieve its obligations with less. The final declaration's ambiguity reflects a delicate balance between ambition and practicality.