Fact Check: "Spain spent only 1.28% of GDP on defense last year, the lowest in NATO."
What We Know
Spain's defense spending has been a topic of discussion, especially in the context of NATO commitments. According to multiple sources, Spain's defense expenditure was approximately 1.28% of its GDP last year, making it the lowest among NATO member countries. This figure has been corroborated by various reports, including those from Reuters and The Economist, which both confirm that Spain ranks at the bottom of NATO's defense spending league table.
In April 2024, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez acknowledged that the country would increase its defense spending to 2.1% of GDP in the following year, but this was after the 1.28% figure was reported for the previous year. The commitment to raise spending was partly in response to pressure from NATO allies and the geopolitical climate, particularly following Russia's actions in Ukraine (CEPA).
Analysis
The claim that Spain spent only 1.28% of its GDP on defense last year is supported by reliable sources. The Associated Press and Reuters both report this figure, indicating a consensus among credible news outlets. Furthermore, The Economist highlights this statistic as part of a broader critique of Spain's defense spending history, emphasizing that it is indeed the lowest in NATO (The Economist).
However, it is important to note that while Spain's defense spending is low in percentage terms, the government has argued that this does not fully represent its contributions to NATO. For instance, Spain has been involved in various NATO missions and has committed to increasing its defense budget in response to external pressures (CEPA).
Despite the government's plans to increase spending, the historical context shows that defense has not been a priority for Spanish governments, which have often focused on social welfare instead (CEPA). This historical reluctance to prioritize defense spending may contribute to the perception and reality of Spain's low expenditure.
Conclusion
The claim that "Spain spent only 1.28% of GDP on defense last year, the lowest in NATO" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources consistently supports this statistic, and while Spain plans to increase its defense budget, the current figure remains the lowest among NATO allies. The analysis indicates that this low spending is a reflection of both historical priorities and current geopolitical dynamics.
Sources
- Spain reaches deal with NATO to be exempted from 5% of GDP defense ...
- Spain risks derailing NATO summit by resisting 5% ...
- Spain agrees with NATO to skip 5% defence spending target
- Spain's terrible record on defence spending - The Economist
- Spain: NATO's Laggard - CEPA
- Spain rejects NATO's 5% defence spending hike as '...
- Spain under pressure to spend more on defence
