The Hindu: Published on 21st June 2025:
Why in News?
Spain has officially refused to commit to a new NATO defence spending target of 5% of GDP, ahead of a crucial summit in the Netherlands (June 24–25, 2025).
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is pushing NATO members to adopt this target, threatening to withhold U.S. support from those who fail to comply.
Spain’s rejection is the first public opposition, putting unity at risk and casting doubt over the summit’s outcome.
Background:
After Russia's invasion of Ukraine (2022), NATO countries agreed to raise military spending to at least 2% of GDP.
NATO’s updated defence strategy proposes a 5% target, with 3.5% for defence budgets and 1.5% for dual-use infrastructure and societal resilience.
Spain argues that the proposed target is excessive, economically unsustainable, and conflicts with EU's security priorities.
Key Issues:
Economic Constraints: Countries like Spain, Belgium, France, Italy, and Canada face fiscal limitations and political resistance.
Definition Disputes: There is no consensus yet on what qualifies under the additional 1.5%—whether climate, cyber or infrastructure investments are included.
Internal Pressures: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces internal unrest, coalition dependencies, and corruption allegations.
Trump’s Influence: Trump’s insistence on 5% spending could deepen divisions and impact the credibility of the summit.
Global Impact:
A failed consensus could weaken NATO's posture at a time of growing global instability (Russia-Ukraine war, China-Taiwan tensions).
If members don’t agree on common spending norms, NATO’s strategic unity and deterrence capability could suffer.
Looking Ahead:
- If no consensus emerges by June 25, Trump could derail the summit, as he did in 2018.
- NATO may propose flexible timelines or exemptions (like 2032 deadline) to accommodate member states.
- Meanwhile, frontline states (Germany, Sweden, Norway, etc.) support the 5% goal, making the alliance’s internal divide more visible.
