Donald Trump appeared at the NATO Summit by attempting to promote himself as the president who “closed” a war. At the same time, however, it opened a new diplomatic front, this time not with an opponent, but with Europe itself and more specifically with Spain.

US -Spanish relations entered the tension orbit on Wednesday, as the US president threatened to double duties if Madrid insists on refusing to increase its defense spending to 5% of GDP, as agreed at the NATO summit.

Responding to Trump, Spain Minister Carlos Kuerpo said today from Paris that trade negotiations are the European Commission’s responsibility, adding that “Europe also has tools to defend itself” in the event of a non -agreement with the US.

Earlier, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and despite Trump’s threats insisted on Spain, stating that today’s spending on 2% of GDP were “sufficient, realistic and compatible with the welfare state”, while calling for Spain’s new target.

Despite criticism, Sanchez stressed that Spain would comply with its commitments and called for emphasis not to spend on spending, but on common production and interoperability in Europe.

Sanchez also allegedly thanked NATO allies for “respecting Spain’s sovereignty”.

Trump threatens Spain with harder trade agreement

Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Spain’s refusal to commit to its new NATO target for defense spending at 5% of GDP by 2035 will result in a “much tougher” trade agreement for the country.

Speaking at a press conference at the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump described the fact that Spain is not committed to the new limit.

“You know, they are doing very well. The economy is doing very well. And this economy could be blown up in the air if something bad happens, “he said.

“Do you know what we will do? We negotiate a trade agreement with Spain and we will make them pay the doubles – and I say it seriously. I like Spain … It’s a great place and they have a great people, but it’s the only country to refuse to pay. “

“They want a little free ride, but they will pay it back through commerce, because I won’t let it pass. It’s unfair. “

Trump’s statements came shortly after NATO allies agreed to more than double the defense spending target from 2% to 5% of GDP by 2035.

In a joint declaration, the Alliance said it was “united against deep threats and challenges”, with Russia’s long -term threat and the “persistent threat” of terrorism.