Spain Pushes for a European Army While Defending NATO Spending Record

On 7 July 2026, Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares reiterated his advocacy for a “European Army” that would provide “common European security” and a “common deterrent, regardless of the United States’ position.” He made the remarks in an interview with public broadcaster RTVE and said the proposal would not conflict with NATO or replace national forces. Albares is scheduled to travel to Ankara with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez for the NATO summit later that week.

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Spain has long faced scrutiny over its contribution to NATO’s defense-spending target of 2 percent of gross domestic product (GDP). The government argues that its current 2.1 percent spending meets NATO’s capability requirements, while critics point to earlier figures of 1.3 percent in 2024. The dispute reflects broader tensions between calls for greater European strategic autonomy and the alliance’s collective-defence expectations.

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• José Manuel Albares – Spanish Foreign Minister, proponent of a European Army.

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• Pedro Sánchez – Spanish Prime Minister, accompanying Albares to the summit.

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• Margarita Robles – Spanish Defense Minister, supports the 2.1 percent figure as sufficient.

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• Mark Rutte – NATO Secretary General, has questioned Spain’s compliance.

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• Donald Trump – President of the United States, publicly criticized Spain’s defense spending.

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• Spain’s defense spending: 1.3 percent of GDP in 2024, rising to 2.1 percent by mid-2026.

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• NATO’s collective-defence target: 2 percent of GDP for each member.

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• According to Albares, two NATO allies have not reached 2 percent, and three have not delivered all requested capabilities.

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Albares emphasized that a European Army would “not go against NATO” and would complement, not replace, national forces. He also asserted that Spain “has reached two percent in capabilities, which is what matters in defense,” positioning the nation as “in compliance” with alliance obligations. Defense Minister Robles echoed this view, describing the 2.1 percent level as “enough” to satisfy NATO requirements. NATO Secretary General Rutte responded to the broader spending issue by stating, “I think time will tell,” indicating ongoing assessment. President Trump, speaking alongside Rutte, labeled Spain’s stance a “horror show” and expressed disappointment with the country’s commitment.

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U.S. President Trump’s remarks framed Spain’s defense-budget approach as “terrible” and a “free ride.” NATO leadership, represented by Rutte, has expressed uncertainty about Spain’s compliance, suggesting that the alliance will monitor future contributions before drawing conclusions.

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Spanish officials claim compliance based on a “rigorous study” and the 2.1 percent figure, while NATO records and external analyses cite the earlier 1.3 percent level for 2024, indicating a discrepancy in reported spending. No independent verification of the “rigorous study” is provided, leaving the exact compliance status unresolved.

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• “This is a time for Europe to take a leap forward in terms of its sovereignty,” — José Manuel Albares, Spanish Foreign Minister

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• “We’re disappointed with most of them. Spain is a horror show. Spain is terrible, even from your standpoint,” — Donald Trump, President of the United States

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• “I think time will tell.” — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary General

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• “not go against NATO” — José Manuel Albares, Spanish Foreign Minister

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The Spanish delegation, led by Albares and Sánchez, will attend the NATO summit in Ankara, where the European Army proposal and Spain’s defense-spending record are expected to be discussed alongside broader alliance commitments.

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