At the end of the week, Spain’s political circles were once again stirred by debates about the country’s future in the North Atlantic Alliance. The trigger was Donald Trump’s loud statements, who, during a meeting with Finnish leader Alexander Stubb in Washington, hinted at the possibility of Spain’s expulsion from NATO. Such remarks sparked a strong reaction in Madrid and became a topic of discussion in European capitals.
However, a look at the Alliance’s founding documents makes it clear: expelling a country from NATO is impossible, even if the most influential members were to wish for it. The foundational Washington Treaty, signed in 1949, provides only for a voluntary withdrawal by a member state. Article 14 clearly states that a country can leave the organization of its own accord by giving prior notice. But there is simply no mechanism for forced expulsion.
The Alliance’s history includes examples where countries have expressed dissatisfaction with NATO’s internal policies. In the 1960s, France, unhappy with the dominance of the United States and the United Kingdom, withdrew from the military structure but remained within the political framework of the organization. French forces ceased to fall under joint command, and NATO’s headquarters moved from Paris to Mons. Nevertheless, France did not break its alliance commitments and never fully left the Alliance.
Spain joined NATO after the 1986 referendum. At first, the country kept a certain distance from the military command, but by the late 1990s, the Aznar government achieved full integration of the armed forces into Alliance structures. Since then, Spain has remained a full-fledged member, despite periodic debates over military spending and the country’s role in collective defense.
The influence of the United States in NATO is undeniable: an American general traditionally leads the joint command in Europe, and Washington itself keeps the original founding treaty. However, even such a strong position does not give the United States the right to decide the fate of other members. Throughout the Alliance’s history, no country has ever been expelled, even when its policies have caused dissatisfaction among partners. One need only recall the periods of military dictatorships in Portugal and Greece, or current disagreements with Hungary.
Thus, despite harsh statements and political maneuvering, Spain can be confident: its NATO membership is protected by international law. Any threats of expulsion are simply elements of political rhetoric without real foundation.
