Estonian lawmaker warns Spain’s policies could undermine NATO unity

Estonian parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee chair Marko Mihkelson has raised concerns that Spain’s foreign policy positions could weaken unity within the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). 

He noted that Spain has on several occasions taken positions that differ from those of its NATO allies, raising questions about solidarity within the alliance, Caliber.Az reports per Estonian media.

He noted that Madrid has opposed proposals to increase NATO defence spending to 5% of gross domestic product and has also placed restrictions on the use of U.S. military facilities in operations in the Middle East.

Mihkelson also criticised Spain’s growing engagement with China and its continued imports of energy resources from Russia, arguing that such policies indirectly contribute to the continuation of the war in Ukraine.

He warned that internal divisions within NATO could undermine the principle of collective defence, adding that such rifts would ultimately benefit Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump in early March threatened to halt all trade with Spain after Madrid barred the U.S. from using its military bases for its operations in Iran.

By Sabina Mammadli