EU avoids commenting on US–Spain dispute over NATO amid reports of possible Washington measures

The European Union on Friday avoided commenting on reported tensions between the United States and Spain over NATO cooperation, as speculation mounted about possible US measures against allies refusing to support military operations.

Speaking on the issue, EU Council President Antonio Costa said EU institutions do not engage in NATO’s internal affairs, while emphasizing ongoing work on the bloc’s own defense framework.

"We have ... our headquarter in the same city than NATO, but we are an independent institution. We cooperate with NATO, but we don't discuss the internal issues of NATO," Costa told reporters following an informal EU leaders meeting in Lefkosia.

The remarks come amid reports citing a US official that an internal Pentagon email outlined possible actions against NATO allies that declined to support US military operations, including a proposal concerning Spain.

A NATO official, however, confirmed to Anadolu that the alliance’s founding treaty contains no provisions for suspending or expelling member states.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez dismissed the reports, saying Madrid relies on official US government positions rather than internal communications.

He added that Spain’s position remains “full cooperation with allies, but always within the framework of international law.”