Spain is under growing pressure from the EU and NATO to increase its defense spending.

President Pedro Sánchez has committed to reaching the 2% of GDP target before 2029, a goal initially set for that year.

This comes as European nations, including Belgium, are accelerating their military budgets amid shifting global security dynamics.

Sánchez plans to meet with opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo and other parliamentary groups to outline a national defense strategy.

Spain currently spends 1.28% of its GDP on defense, the lowest in NATO, and achieving the 2% target will require significant investment.

The urgency is heightened by the EU’s new fiscal flexibility measures, allowing countries to boost military spending without breaching budget rules.

Sánchez emphasized the need for a broad approach, including cybersecurity and counter-terrorism, to meet NATO’s standards.