Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced on Tuesday, April 22, that his government will meet NATO’s target of spending 2% of GDP on defense this year — well ahead of the previously self-imposed deadline of 2029.
Sánchez revealed a plan to increase defense spending by €10.47 billion, with a focus on telecommunications, cybersecurity, and the procurement of military equipment.
“This plan will help us reach the goal in record time. Spain will contribute to Europe’s defense,” he emphasized.
Spain has been among the laggards in the transatlantic military alliance, currently spending only 1.32% of its GDP on defense — well below NATO’s target of 2%. Madrid had originally planned to meet the target by 2029.
