U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to completely halt trade with Spain after Madrid refused to allow the use of its military bases for operations related to strikes on Iran. In response, the European Union (EU) expressed full solidarity with its member state.

In a statement released on March 4, the European Commission said it stands fully with all member states and is prepared to act through its common trade policy to protect EU interests if necessary. The message underscored that Spain, as an EU member, cannot be treated separately in trade matters.

EU spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that the EU and the United States concluded an important trade agreement last year and expressed expectations that Washington would honor its commitments. He added that stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade relations are especially vital during times of global instability.

The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, declined to permit U.S. forces to use naval and air bases in Cadiz and Seville during operations linked to strikes on Iran. Sánchez had earlier voiced opposition to what he described as unilateral military actions.

Speaking at the White House during a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President Trump stated that the United States did not wish to engage in trade with Spain. He cited Spain’s refusal to support the Iran operation and its reluctance to meet the 5% of GDP defense spending target under NATO as reasons for his stance.

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#Spain
#EuropeanUnion
#TradeDispute
#NATO

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