Defence expenditure in Spain: how much of the GDP is allocated and how does it compare to the rest of the Nato countries? - CSN News

How much GDP is spent on defence in Spain? And how does that compare with the other Nato countries. CSN News

Wednesday, February 19, 2025, 9:34

Twelve leaders of European Union You can also find out more about the following: Nato You can find out more about it here. The urgent meeting held in Paris, France on Monday was to develop a response to the changing US policy regarding the transatlantic alliance. war in Ukraine Return of Donald Trump The US Presidency

The imminent meeting of US president Donald Trump with Russian president Vladimir Putin will see the end of the conflict in Ukraine that was started by Russia. Discussed According to Ursula von der Leyen’s comment on Facebook before Monday’s start of the meeting in Paris, the absence of Kiev and the European powers has brought Europe’s safety to a “turning-point”.

Von der Leyen stressed the need for increased European defence spending. “It is about Ukraine but also about us. We need to be more urgent. We need a greater defence. She wrote: “We urgently need to increase our defence.”

What is the commitment of NATO?

After the annexation by Russia of Crimea in Ukraine, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (Nato) member countries pledged to spend 2% or more of their gross domestic product (GDP) on military spending. This was last done in 2014. Only 23 of the 31 countries that comprise this alliance will have met their commitment by 2024.

Several voices have called for an increase in this target. Trump The United States accuses other Nato members of failing to protect it and demand They increase military expenditure by 5%.

As for Nato leader Mark RutteLast week, he said that Europe needs to spend “much more than” 2% on its defense. He has set the new investment commitment for military equipment at over 3% of the GDP“It’s simply unacceptable.” Not just because President Trump asks us to, but also because we must defend ourselves.

What percentage of Spain’s GDP is spent on defence? Where does Spain rank among the other Nato nations?

Spain’s contribution towards Nato as a percentage of GDP 1.28%According to Nato, this is a decrease from 1.19% in the previous year. Spain is the Nato country that spends the least percentage of GDP on defense, and has done so for some time.

Poland, on the other hand, spends the largest percentage of GDP on defense, currently 4.12%. Estonia (3,43%) and the United States (3,38%) The next largest spenders are.



Spain’s 1.28% is clearly a disproportionate amount Below the 2% All Nato members committed themselves to in 2014. There are Seven There are other countries who do not meet the criteria target eitherCroatia (1.81%), Portugal (1.55%), Italy (1.49%), Canada (1.37%), Belgium (1.30%), Luxembourg(1.29%) et Slovenia (1.29%).

Will Spain increase their defence spending?

Spain’s minister of foreign affairs, Jose Maria Aznar, has spoken out amid the heated debate over Nato member countries’ defense spending. José Manuel Albares, On Monday, he said that the proposed increase in EU spending is “impossible” for any country in the short-term.

Albares, in a press conference held with his Brazilian counterpart Mauro Vieira, rejected US pressures and reaffirmed that “Spain’s target date for reaching 2% of GDP is 2029.” He said, “We’re increasing our defence spending. We are making steps in this direction.” He was asked if it would be possible for deadlines to be pushed forward.

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About Liam Bradford

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Liam Bradford, a seasoned news editor with over 20 years of experience, currently based in Spain, is known for his editorial expertise, commitment to journalistic integrity, and advocating for press freedom.

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