US presses Spain to tighten borders, boost defence spending

On the occasion of Spain’s national day, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement urging Madrid to keep its borders secure, combat the recent wave of mass migration, and increase defence investment. He said Washington will continue to press Spain on these three fronts, which he described as vital to the security and prosperity of both countries. Rubio highlighted Spain’s unique position as the sole NATO ally yet to commit to the alliance’s 5 % of GDP defence spending target by 2035, noting the Spanish government argues a 2 % level is sufficient.

The call follows a turbulent summer on the EU’s southern frontier, including a July 30 incursion into Ceuta that brought tens of thousands of migrants from Morocco, and a controversial regularisation decree that attracted over a million applications. US-Spain relations have soured after President Donald Trump halted trade with Spain and barred the use of Rota and Morón bases for strikes on Iran. The timing coincides with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s decision to call a snap election for November 29, where immigration remains a key issue.