Why Trump and NATO press Spain to increase its defense expense?

Chijioke Obinna

Why Trump and NATO press Spain to increase its defense expense?

Donald Trump has entered with force in the White House. The new president of the United States of America has promised the Americans to fulfill a series of long -term promises, including, Make NATO partners increase their military spending to the equivalent of 5% of their GDP.

The new Secretary General of the Alliesthe former Dutch prime minister, Mark Rutte has been shown in the same line as the American president. In fact, Routte said In the recent Davos forum The need for allied countries to reach 2% of their GDP as soon as possible In defense spending, and I even declare that in the coming years this could be insufficient. A line maintained by the leaders of the countries belonging to NATO.

“The United States can count that its allies will even more intensify their effort and increase defense spending,” Routte said. The Dutch liberal has made it clear that 2 % “is not enough” and that, if the abilities that arise from the NATO internal planning process are taken into account, “it will be above 3 %.” Everything to try to face the large investments that make countries outside the organization such as Russia or China.

Trump, impatient because Europe meets

“We can’t expect anymore”he stressed supporting the speeches of the new tenant of the White House, Donald Trump, that on the same day of his investiture he reproached for his low investment in defense and advocates that the allies allocate 5 % From GDP to that game.

In fact, Spain is one of those countries that does not meet 2% That European allies hoped to have in 2024, but it is not the only one. However, that sum is still far from the 5% that Donald Trump intends that NATO countries invest in defense in the coming years.

Sánchez and Rutte, with the situation in Spain as the main topic of conversation

The president of the Government receives on Monday the NATO general secretary at the Moncloa Palace with the situation in Spain with respect to military expenditure as the central point of the meeting. Spain is one of the European countries that agreed to raise its budget in defense in 2024 to the equivalent of 2% of its gross domestic product.

Although the Government of Pedro Sánchez has considerably increased military investment in recent years, Spain is currently at 1.24% of its GDP in defense. Still A little below the 2% who agreed with NATO by 2024, and far from 3% announced by Routte in Davos and 5% that Donald Trump intends that the allies have in the coming years.

Chijioke Obinna

I've been passionate about storytelling and journalism since my early days growing up in Lagos. With a background in political science and years of experience in investigative reporting, I aim to bring nuanced perspectives to pressing global issues. Outside of writing, I enjoy exploring Nigeria’s vibrant cultural scene and mentoring young aspiring journalists.