Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur has criticized Spain for what he says is insufficient military spending, which amounts to 2% of GDP. However, Pevkur said his country aims to reach 5% by 2026.
"I am afraid that (2% of GDP spent on defense - ed.) is not enough for Spain. I cannot say which percentage is correct. Spanish experts should calculate whether it is 3% or 3.5%," Pevkur said in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Pais.
He also added that last week NATO conducted its first situational review, which showed that there is still a lot to be done in all countries of the alliance. According to Pevkur, Estonia's defense spending is currently 3.3%-3.4% of GDP, but should rise to 5% of GDP in 2026 and exceed 5.6% four years later.
