20:45 - 9.07.2026

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July 9, Fineko/abc.az. President Donald Trump stated that Spain has "fully atoned" after agreeing to additional payments within the NATO framework, noting that the US could have otherwise terminated trade relations.

Previously, Trump harshly criticized Madrid for its refusal to increase military spending to 5% of GDP, calling the country a "bad ally" and threatening a trade rupture. However, following the alliance summit, he highlighted "unity" and expressed confidence that the allies would soon meet the defense spending requirements.

Spain had previously refused to raise its military expenditures to 5% of GDP, describing the target as impractical.