Spain calls for creation of European army to address growing security challenges Posed by Russia

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for the establishment of a European army to address growing security challenges posed by Russia and the shifting political landscape in the United States.

During a speech to the Spanish parliament on March 26, Sánchez stressed the need for a unified European defence force, comprising troops from all 27 EU member states, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Sánchez argued that the creation of a European army, operating under a single flag and unified objectives, is essential for both ensuring lasting peace in Europe and solidifying the European Union’s global stature. “This is the only way that we become a true union and guarantee lasting peace in Europe,” he said, underscoring the necessity of collective action in the face of external threats.

The call for a European army comes as Spain faces growing pressure to boost its military spending to meet NATO obligations. As one of the NATO members with the smallest defense budgets, Spain is grappling with balancing military needs and domestic priorities.

Sánchez has vowed to increase defence expenditure but faces significant opposition from his left-wing coalition partners, who are concerned that military spending might come at the expense of social services and environmental initiatives.

Despite his push for higher defense budgets, Sánchez has committed to ensuring that any increases would not result in cuts to social or environmental spending. “We have to fulfill our commitments without cutting a single cent from social or environmental efforts,” he stated during his speech.

However, the proposal has drawn mixed reactions. Sumar spokesperson Verónica Barbero criticized the idea of a purely militarized security system, arguing that it would undermine the democratic foundations of the European project.

Meanwhile, opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo of the center-right People's Party accused Sánchez of misleading the EU and NATO with unrealistic expenditure promises. Feijóo emphasized that any discussion of increased military spending must occur within a broader debate on national finances.

Sánchez also hinted that Spain may seek to meet NATO’s defense spending goals through investments in industrial and technological advancements rather than simply increasing financial outlays. A national plan for developing Spain’s security and defense technology is set to be unveiled this summer, although details remain scarce.

The creation of a European army, while a long-standing discussion, has gained renewed urgency amid growing security concerns in Europe and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

By Aghakazim Guliyev