All NATO member countries, including Spain, reaffirmed their “unwavering commitment to collective defense” on Wednesday at the summit in The Hague. In a groundbreaking concluding statement, all 32 heads of state and government pledged to invest five percent of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in defense by 2035. This decision, which does not provide for clear exceptions for individual countries, underscores the alliance’s determination to confront “profound threats and security challenges.”
A Clear Signal to the World: Strengthening NATO
This commitment to a substantial increase in defense spending is a direct response to the long-term threat to Euro-Atlantic security posed by Russia and the ongoing threat of terrorism. The declaration stipulates that member countries must submit annual plans outlining a “credible path” to achieve the 5 percent target.
Spain Sees “Very Good Results” from the Summit
The Spanish Prime Minister expressed great satisfaction with the results achieved after the summit. He assured that he viewed the outcomes “with very good eyes” and emphasized the months of work that led to this agreement. “We have sent a very important message to the world, and that is that NATO is united and emerges strengthened from this summit, given the challenges it faces,” he declared on his way from the NATO summit.
The Importance of Collective Defense
Collective defense is the cornerstone of NATO and ensures the security and stability of all member countries. The decisions made at the summit strengthen this principle and send a clear signal to potential aggressors. Spain, as an important member of the alliance, will contribute its part to achieving these goals.
