Robles brings Ceuta into Spain’s military message
Margarita Robles used a pre-National Day military briefing to address troops abroad and the Ceuta command. Her message tied overseas operations to Spain’s position on Ceuta and Melilla.
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Spain often turns this subject into, NATO covers defense policy, military cooperation, security debates and Spanish commitments.
It connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.
It connects national decisions with regional realities, helping readers understand what changes for residents, travelers, businesses and families.
Robles puts Ceuta and Melilla at Spain’s defence centre
Margarita Robles reaffirmed Spain’s position on Ceuta and Melilla while addressing troops abroad. Spain is maintaining 17 missions with about 3,000 personnel across four continents.
Italian Army picks Ineos Grenadier for new military fleet
Italy has placed a major order for the Ineos Grenadier, signaling a shift in military vehicle strategy. Austria has ordered armored versions, while other NATO countries are watching closely. The Grenadier’s rugged design is drawing scrutiny across Europe.
Chinese car giant triggers security fears near Spanish naval base
SAIC’s plan for a car plant in Ferrol has rattled Spain’s defense circles. The factory’s location near a major naval base has turned an economic deal into a security headache for Madrid and its allies.
Spain's King Puts EU Border Security at Centre of Finland Visit
Felipe VI called for joint protection of the EU's external borders during his visit to Helsinki. Finland backed Spain over Ceuta, tying southern border security to defence in the Arctic.
ISW maps a possible Russian drone assault on Estonia
A new ISW scenario examines a limited Russian operation in Estonia. Narva could face drones and hybrid pressure aimed at testing NATO's unity.
Spanish EF-18Ms Escort Russian Surveillance Aircraft Over the Baltic
Two Spanish EF-18M fighters identified and escorted a Russian surveillance aircraft over international waters in the Baltic on 22 September 2026. The aircraft had no flight plan and its transponder was off; it had not contacted civil air traffic control.
Von der Leyen pushes for European security plan without US involvement
Ursula von der Leyen has unveiled a European security initiative that excludes the US. The plan responds to growing uncertainty over Washington’s commitment to Europe’s defense and signals a shift in EU strategy.
Von der Leyen proposes Canada as first EU associate member amid US threats
Ursula von der Leyen has suggested making Canada the first associate member of the EU. The proposal prompted immediate tariff threats from Donald Trump and signals a new phase in transatlantic relations.
Spanish fighter jets to fire live missiles over Cádiz in major military drill
F-18 and Eurofighter jets will launch live missiles over the Gulf of Cádiz as Spain’s Air and Space Force stages its most complex combat exercise yet. The operation will test new air-to-surface capabilities and sharpen anti-drone tactics amid heightened NATO vigilance.
Felipe VI Leads Rota Ceremony Honoring 11 September Victims
Felipe VI and Margarita Robles joined US and Spanish military personnel at Rota to honor the victims of the 11 September attacks. The ceremony marked 25 years since the tragedy, as allies reaffirmed their unity and shared values.
Trump criticizes Spain over Ceuta migrant crisis and defense spending
Donald Trump has accused Spain of losing control at its border after the mass entry of migrants in Ceuta. The US president links the crisis to Madrid’s refusal to boost defense spending. Tensions between the two governments are escalating.
IU Demands Government Answers on Ceuta Crisis and Foreign Dependence
Izquierda Unida has formally questioned the government over the Ceuta border crisis. The party points to Spain’s reliance on US and Israeli military and technology, seeking answers on defense and cybersecurity with a focus on digital sovereignty.
Trump's Uneven Approach: Close Ties with Morocco, Strained Relations with Spain
US relations with Morocco have warmed under Trump, while ties with Spain have cooled. The White House's positions on migration and military cooperation have deepened the divide, leaving Madrid with new diplomatic challenges.
Begoña Gómez Regains Passport After Madrid Court Lifts Restrictions
Begoña Gómez has recovered her passport after a Madrid court lifted restrictions. The judge permitted her legal representative to collect the document. The case had sparked criticism over the severity of the initial measures.
Eurofighter to Get Major Upgrades for Drone Collaboration and Combat Relevance Until 2060
Spain is investing in a sweeping modernization of its Eurofighter fleet, bringing in advanced sensors and electronic warfare systems alongside digital cockpits. The upgrades aim to keep the fighter at the forefront of European air power and allow it to operate alongside future drones and sixth-generation jets.
Sánchez’s NATO Speech Shifts Trump’s Stance on Spain’s Defence Spending
Spain’s pledge to raise defence spending to 2% of GDP at the NATO summit led Donald Trump to reverse his earlier criticism. The Spanish government says it made no new commitments, but the US president’s tone changed after hearing Sánchez.
US to Deploy Sixth Destroyer and 300 More Troops to Rota Naval Base
The US will add a sixth Arleigh Burke-class destroyer and its roughly 300 sailors to its presence in Spain at Rota. The move comes as the Pentagon reduces forces elsewhere in Europe, reinforcing Spain's growing strategic role.
European Security Faces Strain Amid Global Tensions and NATO Pressure
Diplomats and experts met in Barcelona to address Europe's security challenges. The debate centered on NATO spending and shifting US policy, amid uncertainty over the EU's defense future. Tensions with Russia and China add to the complexity.
Trump Orders Immediate Halt to US-Spain Trade Amid NATO Dispute
Donald Trump has called for a halt to all US commercial dealings with Spain. The move follows Spain’s refusal to increase defense spending and deny US forces access to basic military bases. Madrid and Brussels have responded by emphasizing existing economic ties.
Markets Slide as Trump Ends Iran Ceasefire, Oil Prices Surge
Stock futures tumbled after Donald Trump declared the Iran ceasefire over at the NATO summit. US strikes in response to attacks on three commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz pushed oil prices higher, while European markets and most sectors also fell.
Spanish Warships Join US Independence Parade Amid Trump Criticism
Five Spanish Navy ships took part in New York celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of US independence. The visit coincided with Donald Trump's threats to cut trade ties with Spain. The deployment highlights Spain's growing role in NATO operations.
Trump Ends US-Iran Ceasefire After Overnight Strikes
Donald Trump has declared the US-Iran ceasefire over after a night of military strikes. The US targeted more than 80 sites in Iran following attacks on oil tankers. Iran responded with strikes on US military installations in Bahrain and Kuwait.
Trump Ends Iran Ceasefire After Strikes Escalate at NATO Summit
Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire with Iran after new military strikes. The US president rejected further negotiations, calling Iran’s actions unacceptable. Oil prices surged as the conflict resumed.
Trump Threatens to Halt All Trade with Spain over NATO Dispute
Donald Trump says he has instructed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to suspend all US-Spain trade, citing Spain’s defense spending. The Spanish government has responded by pointing to EU trade rules and the US trade surplus with Spain. The dispute raises new questions about bilateral relations.
Controversy Over Court's Split Decision on Begoña Gómez's Travel
A Madrid court allowed Begoña Gómez to attend her daughter's graduation in London but denied her request to travel to the NATO summit in Ankara. Legal experts sharply criticized the decision, calling the risk of flight unfounded and the reasoning inconsistent.
Spain Allocates €50 Million More for US Arms to Ukraine
Spain will provide an additional €50 million this year for US-made weapons for Ukraine. The funding, part of NATO's PURL program, brings Spain's total to €150 million. The move follows pressure to supply Patriot missiles.
Abascal Criticizes Trump Over Remarks Targeting Meloni at NATO Summit
Santiago Abascal has publicly distanced himself from Donald Trump after the US president's controversial remarks about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. The incident points to growing tensions among right-wing allies in Europe.
Government Pushes Major Reforms Amid Judicial Pressure
Spain's government is accelerating basic reforms on housing and dependency care, alongside regional funding. Judicial scandals and political tensions are shaping a critical July before the summer recess, with major decisions potentially defining the end of the legislature.
González Laya Calls for Public Debate on Spain's Military Spending Hike
Spain's defence budget has nearly tripled in three years. Arancha González Laya urges open debate on the shift, warning of growing external threats and the need for European unity.
Spain Reaches NATO Defense Spending Target Amid Trump Criticism
Spain has met NATO's 2% defense spending goal after a 70% budget increase. Yet Donald Trump continues to criticize Madrid, exposing deeper disagreements over military commitments and foreign policy.
Why Congress’s Decision on NATO Could Impact Spain’s Car Market
Spanish Parliament Blocks NATO Referendum: What It Means for the Automotive Industry. The Spanish Congress of Deputies has rejected the idea of a referendum on NATO membership. This decision reflects political dynamics that could also affect the country’s automotive sector. The focus is on how global alliances impact the Spanish market.
Democracy Summit taking place in Barcelona amid Trump’s statements
Trump Harshly Criticized Spain's Economy Despite IMF Data. Donald Trump has once again unleashed criticism against Spain's economy. The IMF, on the contrary, highlights the country's record GDP growth. In Barcelona, leaders are discussing unity in the face of external pressure.
Trump sharply criticized Spain's economy and its role in NATO
Spain's Financial Troubles Prompt Public Statement from the US. US President Donald Trump criticized Spain for its weak economic performance and minimal contribution to NATO. His statement sparked debate over the country's role in the alliance and reactions from Spanish authorities.
Popular Party leader calls for Spain to take a stronger role in EU and NATO
Spain Needs Greater Involvement in EU Decisions — Feijóo Statement. Alberto Núñez Feijóo criticized Spain’s current international isolation and stressed the importance of the country’s role in key European decision-making. He also voiced concerns over escalating military conflicts and called for strengthening Spain’s position within NATO and the EU, highlighting energy and migration issues.