Spain Must Align with NATO’s 5% Defense Spending Rule, Says Tajani

Madrid: Spain will need to align itself with NATO’s impending 5% defense spending rule, although the application of these rules will allow for some flexibility in terms of implementation and timelines, Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani stated during a press briefing at the NATO summit.

According to Ansa News Agency, Tajani highlighted that the original timeframe for reaching this spending target has been extended from 2032 to 2035, allowing member countries additional time to comply. He emphasized that while flexibility is granted in terms of timeframes, the obligation to meet the 5% objective remains firm. Tajani stressed that Spain, like all NATO members, must adhere to these rules, noting that actual actions must follow declarations.

Tajani also underscored the importance of a review of NATO spending in 2029 and advocated for an expanded scope of security to include transport, digital spheres, and submarine cables. Furthermore, Tajani clarified that the decision to increase NATO spending
to 5% of GDP should not be viewed as an act of compliance towards the United States, but rather as a strategic move to enhance collective security.