Albares vindicates the Spanish model in NATO: "I wish all allies would comply like Spain"

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, defended this Monday Spain's position in the debate on the increase in NATO defense spending and assured that the Government will fulfill the commitments acquired by NATO without the need to raise investment to 5% of GDP. During an interview on La Hora de La 1, Albares insisted that “Spain is a country that delivers” and affirmed that the Executive will achieve the military capabilities committed with an expenditure of 2.1% of GDP, compared to the 5% target that allies have set as a horizon for 2035.

The minister vindicated the Spanish position and sent a message to the rest of the Atlantic Alliance partners, “I wish all NATO allies would deliver like Spain.” In that sense, he recalled that “there are four allies that have not reached 2%” of GDP in defense and that “there are three allies that have not delivered all the capabilities that NATO has asked them for our defense,” he pointed out. Therefore, he defended that the debate should first focus on fulfilling the commitments already acquired. 

The minister's words come at a time of growing pressure on Spain within NATO, after the president of the United States, Donald Trump, questioned Spain's commitment to military spending and assured that “the Spanish do not collaborate with others in NATO, but they will learn.”

Aid to Venezuela

During the interview, Albares also updated the situation of Spaniards affected by the earthquakes in Venezuela, confirming that the balance amounts to 35 deceased Spaniards, 11 located under the rubble and 139 missing. He also highlighted that consular services have received around 3,000 calls in recent days.

Likewise, the minister pointed out that teams from AECID and the Military Emergency Unit (UME) have been working on the ground for two days and recalled the contribution of 300,000 euros destined to supply shelter material for those affected.

Nuestro hospital de campaña @AECID_es a pleno rendimiento ayudando al pueblo hermano de Venezuela. https://t.co/mrGEalyxWu

— José Manuel Albares (@jmalbares) July 6, 2026