Spain's spending disagreement threatens NATO summit in The Hague

Spain's refusal to commit to increased defense spending is threatening to destabilize the NATO summit in The Hague, potentially undermining the alliance's unity. This disagreement centers on the US-backed goal of member states spending 5% of their GDP on defense. The summit aims to solidify the 5% defense spending target, a demand from the US, which Spain opposes. This has created uncertainty, especially with former President Trump's return and his threats to withdraw support. The final declaration also redefines Russia as a "long-term threat." The summit's success hinges on avoiding a major confrontation between the US and other allies, particularly regarding military spending and the war in Ukraine. The meeting's format is designed to accommodate Trump's preferences, reflecting the anxieties surrounding his commitment to NATO.