Katya Adler: Europe's Nato allies push back at reported US threat to Spain
On Friday morning, souring relations between Europe and the United States reared its Medusa-like head again, writes the BBC's Europe editor.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"We are fulfilling our obligations toward Nato."
— Pedro Sanchez , Politician
"I want to be 'crystal clear' that Spain was and would remain a full Nato member."
— Rob Jetten , Politician
"The tensions between Washington and Madrid are 'not at all positive'."
— Giorgia Meloni , Politician
"We are fulfilling our obligations toward Nato."
— Pedro Sanchez , Politician
"Spain was and would remain a full Nato member."
— Rob Jetten , Politician
"The tensions between Washington and Madrid are not at all positive."
— Giorgia Meloni , Politician
"She's the one who's unacceptable."
— Donald Trump , Politician
"I am absolutely not worried. We do not work with emails. We work with official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the government of the US."
— Pedro Sanchez , Politician
"NATO must remain united."
— Giorgia Meloni , Politician
"Sovereignty rests with the UK, and the islands’ right to self-determination is paramount."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"the time for free-riding is over."
— Pete Hegseth , Executive
"We do not work on emails; we work on official documents and positions taken in this case by the United States government."
— Pedro Sanchez , Politician
"Well, we do not work with emails. We work with official documents and positions taken, in this case, by the government of the United States."
— Pedro Sánchez , Politician
"Sovereignty rests with the U.K., and the islanders’ right to self-determination is paramount."
— Keir Starmer , Politician
"When we have had contacts with the American counterparts, then actually their asks for us have been exactly what we are able to offer after the cessation of hostilities."
— Kaja Kallas , Politician
"The United States has long-standing arrangements and agreements with European allies on overflight, on basing that should be respected."
— Mark Rutte , Politician
Key People
Former president of the United States known for his aggressive economic policies.
Giorgia Meloni is the Premier of Italy.
Kaja Kallas is the High Representative of the European Union, advocating for European cooperation and support in geopolitical matters.
British Prime Minister and leader of the Labour Party.
Mark Rutte is the Secretary-General of NATO.
Pedro Sanchez is the Socialist Prime Minister of Spain.
He is the Prime Minister of Spain.
Pete Hegseth is the United States Secretary of Defense.
Rob Jetten is the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands, leading a minority government.
Leader of the Labour Party and Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras.
Locations
Tags
All Coverage
On Friday morning, souring relations between Europe and the United States reared its Medusa-like head again, writes the BBC's Europe editor.
Camille Grande, former NATO Assistant Secretary General, criticizes the Trump administration's misunderstanding of NATO's consensus-based structure, highlighting tensions over defense commitments and the alliance's unity.
An internal Pentagon email reveals U.S. considerations to suspend Spain from NATO due to its refusal to support military operations against Iran, prompting responses from European leaders affirming Spain's reliability within the alliance.
A report indicates that the U.S. is considering suspending Spain from NATO for not supporting U.S. military operations against Iran, highlighting tensions within the alliance over defense commitments.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez avoids engaging in a dispute with the U.S. over reports that the Pentagon is considering punishing NATO members, including Spain, for not supporting U.S. operations in the Iran war.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez dismisses a reported Pentagon email suggesting the U.S. may suspend Spain from NATO over its refusal to support military operations against Iran, emphasizing Spain's commitment to international law.
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