Fact Check: Spain currently spends only 1.3% of GDP on defense, far below NATO's 2% target.

Fact Check: "Spain currently spends only 1.3% of GDP on defense, far below NATO's 2% target."

What We Know

As of 2024, Spain's defense spending was reported to be approximately 1.28% of its GDP, which is indeed below NATO's target of 2% (Euronews) [4]. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced plans to increase this spending significantly, with an additional investment of €10.4 billion aimed at reaching the NATO target by 2025 (AP News) [1]. This increase is part of a broader commitment to bolster Spain's military capabilities in response to evolving security challenges, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions in Europe (AP News) [1].

In recent discussions, Sánchez has emphasized that Spain's defense spending needs to rise to 2.1% of GDP to meet the military's estimated requirements, indicating that the current spending is not only below NATO's target but also insufficient for Spain's defense needs (AP News) [2].

Analysis

The claim that Spain spends 1.3% of its GDP on defense is partially accurate. The most recent figures indicate that Spain's defense spending is closer to 1.28% (Euronews) [4]. This figure is indeed below NATO's established guideline of 2%, which has been a point of contention among NATO allies, especially following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which prompted calls for increased military expenditure across the alliance (AP News) [1].

The context of Spain's defense spending is critical. While the country has been among the lowest spenders within NATO, it has committed to increasing its defense budget significantly. The announcement of a €10.4 billion increase reflects a shift in policy, driven by both internal and external pressures to enhance military readiness (AP News) [1]. However, the timeline for achieving the 2% target has been extended to 2025, indicating that while Spain is on a path to increase its defense spending, it has not yet reached the NATO goal.

The reliability of the sources used in this analysis is high. The information comes from reputable news outlets such as the Associated Press and Euronews, which are known for their journalistic standards and fact-checking processes. However, it is important to note that political statements, such as those from Prime Minister Sánchez, may reflect strategic positioning and should be interpreted within the broader context of NATO discussions and Spain's domestic political landscape (AP News) [2].

Conclusion

The claim that "Spain currently spends only 1.3% of GDP on defense, far below NATO's 2% target" is Partially True. While the figure of 1.3% is slightly inaccurate, the essence of the claim holds true as Spain's defense spending is indeed below the NATO target of 2%. The country is actively working to increase its defense budget to meet this target by 2025, but as of now, it remains below the required level.