EU and Spain Stand Firm Amid US Tariff Threats Over NATO Defense Spending
The EU and Spanish government respond firmly to US President Trump's tariff threats over Spain's NATO defense spending, reaffirming Spain's commitment to NATO and its 2% GDP defense spending pledge.
- • The EU commits to responding to US tariff threats against Spain as a member state.
- • Spain maintains a 2% GDP defense spending commitment, rejecting Trump's 5% demand.
- • Spanish officials emphasize Spain's reliability and long-standing role in NATO.
- • Spain increases defense budget by €10.471 billion and considers future spending over 2%.
- • Spanish government warns tariffs would also harm US economy due to trade deficit.
Key details
On October 15, 2025, the European Union strongly defended Spain following renewed threats from US President Donald Trump to impose tariffs over Spain's military spending falling short of the 5% GDP target he demands. Olof Gill, the EU trade spokesperson, stated that the EU would respond appropriately to any measures against its members, highlighting that trade policies are an exclusive EU competence. Trump has criticized Spain's defense spending as disrespectful to NATO, even suggesting Spain be expelled from the alliance. However, the Spanish government maintains its reliability as a NATO ally, committed to reaching the 2% GDP defense spending target agreed in previous summits.
Labor Minister Yolanda Díaz warned that tariffs would also damage the US economy due to Spain's trade deficit with America, pledging to protect vital Spanish industries such as olive oil and automotive sectors. Defense Minister Margarita Robles underscored Spain’s longstanding NATO alliance role, noting Spain's recent €10.471 billion increase in defense budget and potential willingness to exceed 2% GDP spending in the future. Robles dismissed Trump’s expulsion remarks as out of context and emphasized Spain’s active participation in NATO missions and support for Ukraine, including possible involvement in NATO's PURL initiative to purchase US surplus arms.
Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment as a reliable NATO partner, while NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte acknowledged Spain’s defense contributions and highlighted Trump’s role in NATO spending consensus efforts. Despite US pressure for a 5% defense spending threshold, Spain remains focused on fulfilling its pledged 2% target and its Euro-Atlantic security obligations.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.