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Key Points

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez stood firm against Trump’s push for higher NATO defense spending, keeping Spain’s budget at 2.1% GDP. He criticized Trump’s tariff threats as "unjust," emphasizing Spain’s EU trade unity and sovereignty. Sanchez also urged the EU to suspend its Israel agreement over Gaza rights violations. Despite tensions, he reaffirmed Spain’s friendship with the US while defending its social welfare priorities.

Key Points: Sanchez Defends Spain Defense Budget After Trump Tariff Threats

  • Sanchez maintains Spain’s defense spending at 2.1% GDP despite Trump’s demands
  • Calls US tariffs "unjust and unilateral" amid trade deficit
  • Urges EU to suspend Israel deal over Gaza rights violations
  • Reaffirms Spain’s NATO commitment but stresses sovereignty
2 min read

Sanchez defends Spain's defence budget in response to Trump's threats

Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez rejects Trump’s pressure to hike NATO spending, calling US tariffs "unjust" while reaffirming Spain’s sovereignty and EU trade unity.

"Security is not just spending on defense, but also in continuing with a social model that strengthens our welfare state. – Pedro Sanchez"

Madrid, June 26

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasised the country's sovereignty on Thursday while responding to threats made by US President Donald Trump to raise tariffs on Spanish products, following Sanchez's refusal to increase defense spending to five per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) at the NATO Summit.

Sanchez has opted to maintain Spain's defence spending at 2.1 per cent of GDP. Speaking in Brussels ahead of the European Union (EU) Summit, he emphasised that Spain is "a country with solidarity, committed to the Member States of NATO, but also a sovereign nation," according to the reports by Spanish state TV network RTVE.

The Spanish leader expressed his "satisfaction" with the NATO meeting concluded on Wednesday, noting that it succeeded in striking a "balance" between Spain's commitment to the Atlantic Alliance and the "social cohesion" of his country. Security was "not just spending on defense, but also in continuing with a social model that strengthens our welfare state," he was quoted as saying, Xinhua news agency reported.

Responding to Trump's tariff threats, Sanchez stressed that the NATO meeting and trade agreements with EU nations were "two different areas of debate." He underscored that Spain is part of the EU single market, and trade policy is negotiated in Brussels on behalf of all member states.

"Europa and the world are suffering a trade war," he said, describing Trump's tariffs as "unjust and unilateral." In Spain's case, he said, they were "doubly unfair" given the country's trade deficit with the United States.

Despite his disagreement with Trump, Sanchez reaffirmed Spain's role as "an open country" and a friend of the United States.

Regarding the situation in the Middle East, Sanchez called for the EU to "immediately" suspend the Association Agreement with Israel, arguing that it is "more than obvious" the Israeli government has "violated" the accord.

"It makes no sense that there are 18 packs of sanctions against Russia for its aggression against Ukraine and Europe," Sanchez said, "while Europe is unable to suspend the Association Agreement when a country flagrantly violates human rights in Gaza."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Spain is absolutely right to prioritize its welfare state! Defense spending shouldn't come at the cost of citizens' well-being. Trump's tariff threats show how he bullies allies too. India should take note - we must maintain strategic autonomy while engaging with all powers. 🇮🇳
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Priya M.
Interesting to see European leaders standing up to Trump. But I wonder - if Spain doesn't meet NATO commitments, won't it weaken collective security? As Indians, we know the importance of strong defense with China at our borders. Maybe 2.1% is too low? 🤔
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Arjun S.
Spain's stance on Israel is commendable! Finally a Western leader calling out human rights violations. But will the EU actually act? We've seen how they lecture India on Kashmir while being silent on Palestine. Double standards much? 😒
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Sunita R.
Trade wars affect everyone. Trump's tariffs could hurt global economy recovery. India should strengthen trade ties with EU nations like Spain - we have common interests in multipolar world order. Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
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Vikram J.
Spain is showing how middle powers can assert sovereignty. This is lesson for India - we must balance relations between US, EU, Russia wisely. But unlike Spain, we face direct threats from China and Pak. Our defense spending can't be compromised.
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Neha P.
While I support Spain's right to decide its budget, I worry this might encourage China's aggression. Strong NATO deters China in Indo-Pacific, which indirectly benefits India. Complex situation - no easy answers! 😅

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