Spain refuses to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP

On October 14 local time, Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez reiterated that the country refuses to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP. Sanchez stated that he is "absolutely satisfied" with the agreement reached at the last NATO summit, and that the country's defense investment target of 2.1% of GDP is already sufficient to meet NATO's requirements. Sanchez also mentioned that despite some policy differences, the bilateral relationship between the United States and Spain is positive, deep, and very solid. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg stated on the 13th local time at the NATO Parliamentary Assembly that NATO member countries have committed to increasing defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035. Earlier this month, U.S. President Trump suggested that Spain should be considered for "kicking out" of NATO due to its refusal to significantly increase military spending