Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles has revealed that the US Department of Defense sent an official letter expressing gratitude for the efforts of Spanish troops on NATO’s eastern flank. The document, received at the end of October, highlights the importance of Spain’s role in ensuring Europe’s security and advancing the Alliance’s defense initiatives.
In the letter, the US explained that its decision to partially withdraw troops from Romania was due to European partners—Spain among them—taking on greater responsibility for the region’s defense. As an example, they cited the multinational NATO brigade stationed in Slovakia under the command of Spanish officers. Washington sees this move as a sign of the maturity and independence of its European allies.
Despite this recognition, recent months have seen disagreements between Madrid and Washington over military spending. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly criticized Spain for not rushing to raise its defense budget to 5% of GDP, as agreed at the La Haya summit last summer. In October, during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump once again voiced his dissatisfaction with Madrid’s position and urged Alliance leaders to intervene.
Nevertheless, Spain continues to fulfill its NATO commitments. Currently, more than two thousand Spanish troops are taking part in missions in Eastern Europe, including in Slovakia and Latvia. Madrid claims it has already reached the 2% of GDP defense spending target set in 2014, and expresses doubts that other countries will be able to meet the new, more ambitious goals by 2035.
The response letter from Spain’s Minister of Defense to his American counterpart, Pete Hegseth, expressed gratitude for the high praise of Spanish military personnel. It also emphasized that Spain remains a reliable and responsible Alliance partner, despite political disagreements over defense funding.
