Madrid (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said that the Spanish government will outline and begin implementing a plan to increase the defence sector before the summer.
“The objective of this plan is for Spain to contribute to and, at the same time, benefit from this technological and industrial stimulus to strengthen the European security and defence area, while remaining faithful to our principles,”
He stated.
As part of an address on global geopolitical challenges, Sanchez also vowed that any growth in investment in security and defence would be conducted without cutting spending on social or environmental guidelines.
As Spain is expected to spend only 1.3% of its gross domestic product on defence in 2024, Sanchez is aiming to keep pace with European partners anxious about Russia’s threat and U.S. unreliability under President Donald Trump. He confronts opposition at home from left-wing partners unwilling to sacrifice social spending for defence.
Spain has previously stated that it will meet NATO’s 2% expenditure target before Madrid’s commitment of 2029, as well as arguing that southern European countries face unique challenges compared to eastern flank allies, including border controls, fighting terrorism and cyber attacks.
How does the ‘ReArm Europe’ plan affect Spain’s economy?
Two weeks ago, Pedro Sánchez reiterated his support for the EU’s ‘ReArm Europe’ defence plan, stating the arms race will also present an opportunity to reindustrialise Spain and the continent.
During a conference of political parties held at the La Moncloa Palace in Madrid, the Spanish prime minister stated that the context of defence could bring about economic development and advantage.
“Spain must take advantage of this opportunity to improve its productive fabric in areas such as satellite communications,”
Sanchez stated.
“We have all the ingredients to be at the forefront, as in other policies such as the ecological transition.”
As geopolitical circumstances shake up the decades-old transatlantic alliance, Sanchez’s comments have raised doubts about US reliability under Trump.
