US Praises Spain's Commitment to NATO Despite Past Threats Amid Military Shifts
The US has recognized Spain's key NATO role despite past criticisms, amid ongoing changes in US military policies and troop movements in Europe.
- • US praises Spain's contribution to NATO despite Trump’s past threats.
- • Spain deploys over 700 troops in Latvia as part of NATO defense.
- • Spain had the lowest NATO defense spending last year, sparking controversy.
- • US military adopts stricter fitness and grooming standards, contrasting with Spain’s flexible approach.
Key details
Spain's Defense Minister Margarita Robles revealed that the United States has praised Spain's vital contributions to NATO, a recognition that contrasts sharply with former President Donald Trump's past threats to expel Spain from the alliance due to its low defense spending. According to Robles, the Pentagon acknowledged Spain's essential role in European defense, particularly highlighting the deployment of over 700 Spanish troops in Latvia. This endorsement comes as the US announced troop withdrawals from Eastern Europe amid ongoing Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Spain's defense expenditure was the lowest among NATO countries last year, fueling Trump's criticisms and threats of tariffs against Spain. However, NATO countries have agreed to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP over the next decade. Robles stressed Spain's status as a committed ally and emphasized the Pentagon's recognition of Spain's efforts to strengthen NATO's deterrence policies.
Meanwhile, the US military has recently implemented the new Army Fitness Test (AFT) with stricter physical and grooming standards, including bans on beards and long hair. In contrast, Spain maintains more flexible grooming rules while conducting its own physical fitness tests. This US shift reflects cultural changes emphasizing appearance alongside physical capability, marking a different approach from Spain's military standards.
This evolving dynamic highlights Spain’s important role within NATO amid changing US military policies and strategic adjustments in Europe.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.