During the Wednesday press conference, the head of government noted, that Spanish expenses planned for 2025 GDPs are “sufficient, realistic and in accordance with the (principles) of the protective state”. At the same time, he admitted that, according to the estimates of the Ministry of Defense, the full implementation of the obligations accepted at the NATO summit would require 2.1 percent expenditure. GDP.
Sánchez also thanked the allies for “respecting Spanish sovereignty.” He added that although during the meeting he did not have a direct conversation with the former US president Donald Trump, who had previously criticized Madrid for insufficient defensecounts on a constructive debate in the EU forum. “I hope that during tomorrow's meeting of the European Council in Brussels we will talk less about the percentage of GDP, and more about joint production, joint purchases and interoperability” – he noted.
In turn, the Secretary General of NATO Mark Rutte estimated that Spain “seriously” treats his defense obligationsdespite the fact that Madrid is not planning to increase expenditure up to 3.5 percent. GDP.
The leaders of the Alliance countries adopted a declaration in The Hague, according to which, by 2035, NATO members are to invest 5 percent. GDP in basic defense needs and security. They also confirmed the durability of Article 5 of the Washington Treaty – saying that an attack on one NATO member is tantamount to an attack on everyone.
