Spain's government is grappling with a challenging political and economic landscape as it seeks to increase defense spending to meet NATO's 2% GDP target.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces resistance from left-wing allies, who fear the move could harm social welfare programs, while the European Union pressures Spain to fund the increase without subsidies.

The EU may also require parliamentary approval for Spain to bypass deficit rules, adding another layer of complexity.

Opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo supports the defense spending hike, aligning with European conservatives, but political tensions remain high.

Sánchez must navigate these challenges while addressing demands from regional and political partners, making the path forward uncertain.