In a fiery conclusion to the NATO summit in The Hague, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Spain, threatening trade penalties due to Madrid’s reluctance to commit to NATO’s ambitious new defense spending target of 5% of GDP. “They want a little bit of a free ride, but they’ll have to pay it back to us on trade, because I’m not going to let that happen. It’s unfair,” Trump declared to journalists, highlighting his frustration with Spain’s current defense expenditure of just 1.3% of GDP in 2024, the lowest among NATO members.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-nato-summit-5-percent-defense-spending-target-perdo-sanchez-military-donald-trump/)Spain’s Stance: Balancing Defense and Domestic Priorities
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been vocal about his country’s position. In a televised address, Sánchez confirmed that Spain secured an exemption from the 5% target, agreeing instead to a 2.1% GDP commitment by 2025. “Spain will not spend 5% of its GDP on defense, but its participation, weight, and legitimacy in NATO remain intact,” he emphasized. Sánchez argued that adhering to the 5% target would jeopardize Spain’s welfare system, force tax hikes on the middle class, and hinder green transition initiatives.
[](https://apnews.com/article/nato-spain-trump-defense-spending-8b554694c18511a3b835e44a15042694)Spain’s reluctance stems from economic realities. With a coalition government that includes the left-wing Sumar party, which opposes increased military spending, Sánchez faces domestic pressure to prioritize social programs. He also noted that rushing to meet the 5% target would force Spain to purchase off-the-shelf equipment, likely from U.S. firms, undermining its own defense industry.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-nato-summit-5-percent-defense-spending-target-perdo-sanchez-military-donald-trump/)Foreign perspectives echo these concerns. According to a report by El País, a leading Spanish newspaper, Sánchez’s decision reflects a broader European apprehension about diverting funds from social welfare to defense. Similarly, Le Monde in France reported that other European nations, like Italy and France, share Spain’s concerns about the feasibility of the 5% target amidst economic challenges.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/donald-trump-tells-allies-spend-5-percent-gdp-defense-nato/)NATO’s New Defense Spending Goal: A Trump-Driven Shift
Trump’s push for NATO members to spend 5% of GDP on defense—more than double the current 2% target—has sparked heated debates. The U.S., which spent 3.36% of its GDP ($880 billion) on defense in 2023, accounts for 68.7% of NATO’s total expenditure. Trump argues this imbalance is unfair, emphasizing that Europe, protected by the “ocean barrier,” should shoulder more responsibility.
[](https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/2025/trumps-five-percent-doctrine-and-nato-defense-spending)NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte proposed a compromise: 3.5% of GDP for military expenditures and 1.5% for defense-related items like cybersecurity. While countries like Poland (4.12% GDP in 2024) and Estonia (3.7%) support higher spending due to their proximity to Russia, Spain and others remain cautious.
[](https://www.politico.eu/article/spain-nato-summit-5-percent-defense-spending-target-perdo-sanchez-military-donald-trump/)[](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/23/can-trump-get-nato-allies-to-spend-more-on-defense.html)Posts on X reflect public sentiment, with some users criticizing Spain’s low spending. One user noted, “Spain’s 1.3% GDP on defense creates skepticism in the U.S. about NATO’s burden-sharing.” However, these posts are inconclusive and reflect polarized views rather than consensus.
[](https://x.com/RealCynicalFox/status/1855358122220564608)An Archaeological Discovery Ignites Spanish Pride
Amidst these geopolitical tensions, Spain recently celebrated a remarkable archaeological discovery that has captivated the nation and the world. In June 2025, archaeologists uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman villa in Andalusia, near Seville, complete with intricate mosaics and a well-preserved bathhouse. According to La Vanguardia, this find sheds new light on Roman influence in the Iberian Peninsula, revealing trade networks that connected ancient Hispania to North Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The villa, dubbed “Villa de los Mosaicos,” features vibrant floor mosaics depicting mythological scenes, including Hercules and the Nemean Lion. Dr. María López, lead archaeologist from the University of Seville, described the discovery as “a testament to Spain’s rich historical tapestry, reminding us of our resilience and cultural depth during challenging times.” The find has sparked national pride, with social media campaigns using hashtags like #SpanishHeritage to celebrate Spain’s historical contributions to global civilization.
This discovery resonates emotionally with Spaniards, especially as the country navigates external pressures from the U.S. and NATO. It serves as a reminder of Spain’s enduring legacy and its ability to stand firm in its values, much like Sánchez’s defense of economic priorities over military spending. The site is now open to the public, drawing tourists and scholars alike, boosting local economies, and reinforcing Spain’s cultural identity.
Geopolitical Implications and Spain’s Strategic Role
Trump’s threat of 100% tariffs on Spanish goods—echoed in posts on X—raises concerns about U.S.-Spain trade relations. Spain is a significant U.S. trading partner, exporting $22 billion in goods like olive oil, wine, and machinery in 2024. Tariffs could disrupt these markets, impacting Spanish farmers and manufacturers.
[](https://x.com/nachomdeo/status/1881567899749613885)[](https://x.com/FonsiLoaiza/status/1881608676366319878)However, Spain’s strategic importance to NATO cannot be understated. Its naval bases in Rota and Cartagena are critical for NATO’s Mediterranean operations. Sánchez has emphasized Spain’s contributions, noting a 70% increase in defense spending over the past decade, making it the 10th largest NATO contributor in absolute terms.
[](https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/23/can-trump-get-nato-allies-to-spend-more-on-defense.html)Foreign analysts, like those at BBC News, suggest that Trump’s rhetoric may be a negotiation tactic to push allies toward the 2% target, which 23 NATO members met in 2024. Yet, the 5% goal remains contentious, with only a few nations, like Israel and Russia, spending at that level, often under warlike conditions.
[](https://www.piie.com/blogs/realtime-economics/2025/trumps-five-percent-doctrine-and-nato-defense-spending)Scientific and Cultural Resonance
The archaeological discovery ties into Spain’s broader scientific contributions. Recent research by the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) on Roman trade networks, published in CSIC’s journal, highlights how ancient Hispania’s olive oil exports shaped Mediterranean economies. This mirrors modern Spain’s role as a leading olive oil exporter, now at risk from potential U.S. tariffs.
Emotionally, the villa’s discovery has galvanized Spaniards, offering a counterpoint to external pressures. Social media is abuzz with pride, with users sharing images of the mosaics and calling for increased investment in cultural preservation. This sentiment aligns with Sánchez’s argument that Spain’s identity and welfare are as critical as its NATO commitments.
Looking Forward: Balancing Act for Spain
As NATO prepares for future summits, Spain’s exemption from the 5% target sets a precedent for other nations. The U.S.’s hardline stance may strain alliances, but Spain’s strategic contributions and cultural resilience—highlighted by the Andalusian discovery—underscore its value to NATO and the global stage.
Trump’s threats may fade into negotiation, but the emotional weight of Spain’s historical legacy and modern challenges will endure. As Sánchez navigates this delicate balance, the world watches, reminded by ancient mosaics that Spain’s strength lies in its history, culture, and resolve.
По материалам: http://www.planet-today.com/2025/06/trumps-trade-threats-to-spain-over-nato.html