Trump’s military spending target may be tough for Spain

Spain Struggles too Balance Defense Priorities in a Shifting World

Spain’s commitment to European security and NATO membership is unwavering, but the country faces a delicate balancing act when it comes to defense spending. while the government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, has substantially increased defense expenditures in recent years, reaching the NATO target of 2% of GDP by 2029 presents a formidable challenge. As 2018, defense spending has surged from 8.5 billion euros to 12.8 billion euros in 2023, a testament to the Sánchez administration’s commitment to bolstering Spain’s military capabilities.

However, reaching even higher levels of investment remains a politically sensitive issue, largely due to the past aversion to militarism in Spanish society. “The truth is defense spending is not popular in European countries, whether it’s Spain or another European country,” notes Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, a former Spanish ambassador to NATO and current member of the European Parliament from Spain’s conservative Popular Party. He adds, “We grew accustomed after the Second World War to delegate our ultimate defense to the United States of America through its military umbrella, and specifically its nuclear umbrella.” Despite this historical context, de la Parte acknowledges, “It’s true that we need to spend more.”

Spain formally joined NATO in 1982, marking a pivotal moment in its transition to a stable democracy after a period marked by the dictatorship of General Francisco Franco and a failed coup attempt.While a majority of Spaniards voted in a 1986 referendum to remain within the Western defensive bloc, full integration into NATO’s military structure took until 1999. as Carlota Encina,a defense and security analyst at the Elcano Royal Institute think tank in Madrid,points out,”We are a very young member of NATO.”

Public opinion polls consistently reflect a cautious approach towards military involvement. A significant majority of Spaniards opposed Spain’s participation in the 2003 iraq War. While support for NATO has grown in recent years, bolstering Spain’s defense budget remains a politically charged issue. A March 2022 poll by the Center for Sociological Studies (CIS) revealed that while 70% of Spaniards supported NATO sending military aid to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion,only about half favored an increase in Spain’s own defense spending.

Spain’s geographical distance from the frontlines of European security, coupled with its historical experiences, shapes its approach to defense spending. Madrid is nearly 3,000 kilometers from Kyiv, unlike countries like Poland, Estonia, or Latvia, which share a more immediate strategic proximity to potential threats. This geographical reality contributes to a distinct political calculus surrounding defense spending in spain, compared to its more geographically vulnerable NATO allies.

Defense Minister Margarita Robles emphasizes Spain’s commitment to the alliance, stating, “Spain, as a member of NATO, is a serious, trustworthy, responsible, and committed ally.” Spain actively participates in numerous European Union and United Nations missions, deploying thousands of troops across the globe, contributing to security beyond financial commitments.

Spain’s Balancing Act: Defense Spending, Global Commitments, and the 2% Benchmark

Spain, a nation woven into the fabric of European security, plays a multifaceted role within the NATO alliance. With a commitment to global peacekeeping,Spain boasts around 3,800 personnel deployed on international missions,manny supported by NATO. This presence extends to crucial Eastern European outposts like Latvia, Slovakia, and Romania, underlining Spain’s resolute support for collective defense. In Lebanon, a contingent of nearly 700 Spanish soldiers safeguards stability as part of a UN peacekeeping operation.

The country’s strategic importance is further emphasized by its shared naval bases with the United States,solidifying a key partnership in the Atlantic. However, spain’s commitment to defense spending, particularly regarding the NATO benchmark of 2%, sparks ongoing debate.

“The reality is, the whole thing is not very obvious,” states Ignasi Guardans, a former Spanish member of the European Parliament. While Spaniards acknowledge the value of their armed forces in humanitarian missions, such as aiding communities devastated by the Valencia floods last year, these actions are often overlooked within the NATO spending calculation.

Pascual de la Parte, who served as Spain’s NATO ambassador from 2017 to 2018, adds further nuance to the discussion.”There is no agreement between allies in choosing which criteria decide the real spending effort,” he explains. This lack of consensus underscores the diverse realities reflected in the often-contested defense budget figures.

Spain’s defense posture reflects a delicate balancing act. Domestic political pressures, global security commitments, and the complex world of international financial metrics all play a role in shaping its approach. As the debate surrounding defense spending continues within NATO, Spain’s multifaceted strategy serves as a compelling case study for understanding the evolving nature of alliances and security contributions in the 21st century.

What specific capabilities should Spain prioritize modernizing within its armed forces?

Archyde News Exclusive Interview

Title: Spain’s Defense Dilemma: Balancing Priorities in a Changing World

Interviewer: María Fernández, Archyde’s Senior International Affairs Correspondent

Alex Reed: General José Luis Avilés, Retired, former Chief of defense Staff and current defense analyst at teh Real Instituto Elcano

María Fernández (MF): Good evening, and welcome to Archyde News. Today, we’re discussing Spain’s delicate balancing act in defense spending with General José Luis Avilés. General, thank you for joining us.

General José Luis Avilés (GJA): Thank you, María.It’s my pleasure.

MF: Spain has substantially increased its defense spending in recent years, but reaching NATO’s 2% target by 2029 remains a challenge. How do you see Spain’s commitment to European security and NATO evolving in the coming years?

GJA: Spain’s commitment to NATO and European security is unwavering. We’ve seen a substantial increase in defense spending,from €8.5 billion in 2018 to €12.8 billion in 2023. However, reaching the 2% target will indeed be challenging, not just financially, but also politically. Public opinion polls show a cautious approach towards military involvement and increased defense spending.

MF: Speaking of public opinion, a 2022 CIS poll revealed mixed feelings among spaniards regarding defense spending. How do you think Spain can address this apparent contradiction between supporting NATO and being hesitant about increased defense spending?

GJA: It’s crucial to educate the public about the importance of defense spending in today’s security landscape. We must explain that investing in our military doesn’t just mean buying more weapons; it’s also about improving our capabilities, enhancing interoperability with NATO allies, and contributing to collective defense. We need to show that increased spending is not just about meeting a target, but about ensuring Spain’s security and stability in an ever-changing world.

MF: Spain’s historical experiences and geographical distance from the frontlines of European security also shape its approach to defense spending. how do you think these factors influence Spain’s defense priorities?

GJA: Indeed, our historical context and geographical location play a meaningful role. Spain’s past aversion to militarism, our experience with the dictatorship, and our distance from immediate threats have all contributed to a more cautious approach to defense spending. However, we must not forget that our security is interconnected with that of our European allies and NATO partners. Threats don’t respect borders, and we must be prepared to face them together.

MF: Looking ahead, what are the most pressing defense priorities for Spain in the coming years?

GJA: We need to focus on modernizing our armed forces, enhancing our capabilities in areas like cyber defense, unmanned systems, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. We must also continue to invest in our military personnel, ensuring they have the best training and equipment to face today’s complex security challenges. Lastly, we should prioritize our contributions to NATO and EU defense initiatives, demonstrating our commitment to collective defense and burden-sharing.

MF: General Avilés, thank you for your insightful perspectives on Spain’s defense priorities. That’s all for today’s interview.Join us again soon for more in-depth discussions on international affairs.

GJA: Thank you, María. It’s been a pleasure.