Spain’s Growing Independence From the US Puts Transatlantic Relations on Edge

Spain is charting an increasingly independent course on foreign policy, prioritizing its interests within the european Union and forging closer ties with China – a shift that’s raising eyebrows in Washington and creating friction with its traditional ally, the United States.

A Pro-European Stance

While a key NATO member and host to two significant U.S. military bases, Spain’s political and economic priorities are diverging from those of the U.S., particularly under the leadership of Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his left-leaning government.

“The dominant political culture in Spain is much more pro-European than Atlanticist,” explained Federico Molina, a researcher at the Elcano Royal Institute, to CNBC. “Even with regard to Ukraine (whom Spain strongly supports) Spain’s main focus is on its EU accession bid and the reception of refugees, not on its NATO membership or arms deliveries.”

This prioritization of the EU framework isn’t simply a matter of preference; its a strategic calculation. Spain views its future as firmly embedded within the European project, and its foreign policy decisions increasingly reflect this commitment. this focus extends to security concerns, where Spain ofen frames its responses through the lens of EU solidarity and collective action.

Complex US-Spain Relations

Several factors contribute to the growing distance between Madrid and Washington.Molina points to the ideological gap between sanchez’s government and the potential return of donald Trump to the White House.

“This introduces a domestic political temptation to distance itself from Trump, who is extremely unpopular in Spain, including among center-right voters,” Molina said. This sentiment is widespread across the Spanish political spectrum, creating a unique dynamic where aligning with the U.S. could be politically damaging for Sanchez,nonetheless of policy merits.

Moreover, historical grievances and differing perspectives on international affairs contribute to the complexity. While Spain values its alliance with the U.S., it’s increasingly willing to assert its own strategic autonomy, even if it means disagreeing with Washington.

China-Amiable

The moast visible manifestation of Spain’s independent streak is its burgeoning relationship with China. Despite concerns from the U.S. and some EU members,Madrid has actively pursued closer economic ties with Beijing.

The U.S.has two military bases in southern Spain, yet the country has emerged as one of Europe’s most China-friendly governments. This duality highlights the tension at the heart of Spain’s foreign policy.

Recent controversy surrounding a multi-million-euro contract awarded to Chinese tech giant Huawei for wiretapping technology has further strained relations with the U.S. Both U.S. and EU officials have expressed criticism of the decision, citing security concerns and the potential for Chinese espionage.

“While this echoes a broader desire in Europe for strategic rebalancing, EU leaders have stressed that such a rebalancing must be based in reciprocity,” said Kristina Kausch, senior fellow at the german Marshall Fund of the U.S., and the think tank’s representative in Madrid. This suggests that spain’s pursuit of closer ties with China is viewed with caution within the EU, with a strong emphasis on ensuring a level playing field and protecting European interests.

Developing Independent Military Capabilities

Spain’s willingness to challenge U.S. purchasing pressure on defense demonstrates a broader European ambition to develop independent military capabilities and industrial capacity. By resisting calls to exclusively purchase American-made military equipment, Spain is signaling its commitment to diversifying its defense procurement and fostering a more self-reliant European defense industry.”By resisting U.S. purchasing pressure on defense,Kausch told CNBC that Spain has demonstrated Europe’s determination to independently develop military capabilities and industrial capacity.”

However, Kausch cautions that this approach is not without risk.”Spain is giving a voice to concerns that are also shared, to greater or lesser degree, by other EU or NATO allies. It shows leadership, but it is also a big gamble that could backfire on Sanchez personally, on Spain, and on Europe.”

The potential consequences of this gamble include strained relations with the U.S., economic repercussions, and a weakening of the transatlantic alliance. Still, Spain appears willing to accept these risks in pursuit of its strategic autonomy and a more balanced foreign policy.