Norway has thrown its weight behind NATO’s proposed 5% defense spending target, with PM Jonas Gahr Støre publicly endorsing the idea—even as Spain dismissed it as "unreasonable." Meanwhile, Poland’s EU minister Adam Szłapka is stepping into a new role as chief government spokesperson, signaling the start of a broader reshuffle after the ruling coalition’s recent election setback.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a snapshot of the tensions within NATO as members grapple with how much to ramp up military spending amid rising global instability. Norway’s support adds momentum to the push for higher contributions, but Spain’s pushback shows not everyone’s on board. The Polish reshuffle, meanwhile, hints at political recalibrations after a bruising election. Together, it’s a reminder of how domestic politics and international alliances keep colliding in unpredictable ways.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has pushed back against calls to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP, calling the proposed target "unreasonable and counterproductive" in a letter ahead of an upcoming NATO summit. The move signals a potential rift with allies pushing for higher military budgets amid global tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a political stance with real consequences. Spain’s refusal to ramp up military spending could strain its relationships within NATO, especially as other members lean into heavier defense investments. It also raises questions about how Europe balances security needs with economic realities. For readers, it’s a glimpse into the tough trade-offs leaders face in an unstable world.

NATO members are reportedly divided over a proposal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, with Spain openly rejecting the plan ahead of an upcoming summit. The disagreement highlights ongoing tensions within the alliance about how much each country should contribute to collective defense, especially amid rising geopolitical tensions.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a sign of deeper cracks in NATO unity. With some members pushing for higher defense spending and others resisting, the debate could weaken the alliance’s ability to present a united front, particularly as global instability grows. If key players like Spain balk at bigger commitments, it raises questions about NATO’s long-term cohesion.

Spain is pushing back against NATO's target for member countries to spend at least 5% of GDP on defense, which could cause tension at the upcoming alliance summit. Right now, Spain spends just 1.28%—the lowest in NATO—and its reluctance to ramp up military funding might stall broader agreements.

Editor’s Note: NATO’s trying to get everyone on the same page about defense spending, especially with rising global tensions, but Spain’s hesitation could throw a wrench in those plans. If one of the alliance’s key members isn’t willing to step up, it weakens the group’s credibility—and that’s a problem when unity matters most.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is under growing pressure to step down as corruption scandals rock his Socialist party, but he’s digging in his heels and refusing to resign. Critics are piling on, but Sánchez seems determined to ride out the storm—for now.

Editor’s Note: Political instability in Spain could mean messy battles ahead, both within the government and on the streets. Sánchez’s ability to hold onto power—or not—will shape everything from policy decisions to public trust in the system. For Spaniards, it’s another frustrating chapter in a long saga of political drama.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is pushing back against NATO’s proposal to increase defense spending by 5%, calling it "counterproductive." He argues that the move could weaken the EU’s push to develop its own independent security and defense strategy instead of relying so heavily on NATO.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s a power struggle over who calls the shots on European security. Sánchez’s stance highlights a growing tension between NATO’s demands and the EU’s ambition to stand on its own militarily. If more countries follow Spain’s lead, it could reshape how Europe defends itself in an increasingly unstable world.