The European Union has come to the defense of Spain on Wednesday after the President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again threatened to impose tariffs on the country for its refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP. "We will respond appropriately, as we always do, to any measure taken against one or more of our Member States," stated the Commission's Trade spokesperson, Olof Gill.
"It is a hypothetical scenario, but in general, it must be remembered that trade is an exclusive competence of the European Commission, which acts on behalf of all Member States," Gill continued when asked about Trump's threat at the EU's daily press conference. "And there is a trade agreement between the EU and the United States in force. This is the platform to address any trade-related issue," he emphasized.
Yesterday, from the White House, the President of the United States stated that Spain's refusal is "a lack of respect for NATO." "In fact, I was thinking of imposing [on Spain] a commercial punishment through tariffs for what they did, and I could do it. I think it's incredibly disrespectful," he added.
Furthermore, the threat came after Trump himself indicated last week that Spain should be "expelled" from the Alliance, during a NATO Defense Ministers meeting. Also, before this meeting, the U.S. Ambassador to NATO stated that all countries must reach 5% of GDP in military spending. "No exceptions" and "Spain included," Matthew Whitaker affirmed yesterday.
Adding to this, Trump's warning and the possible imposition of tariffs on Spain are not new. Last June, during the significant NATO summit, the magnate also directly targeted Spain. "It's terrible. They want to stay at 2%. I think it's terrible. And, as you know, they are doing very well. The economy is doing very well. And that economy could completely collapse if something bad happens. We are negotiating a trade agreement with Spain and I will make them pay double." Pressure on the country and the government of Pedro Sánchez continues to mount.
However, in the Government, they maintain that all this will not have consequences for Spain. That in NATO, they are a reliable partner, with a presence in the Baltic countries, Poland, Romania, or Turkey; that in Brussels, they have the support of the EU; and that, moreover, the confrontation with the President of the United States is positive on a national level. "Trump picking on us works in our favor," government sources stated after last week's threat.