Sánchez will not define the increase in military spending until the NATO summit in June

Friday 14 March 2025 - 12:04

By: Zahouani Ilham

Sánchez will not define the increase in military spending until the NATO summit in June

As the NATO summit approaches in June, European leaders are engaging in discussions about the future of military spending. Scheduled to take place from June 24 to 26 in The Hague, the summit will see European nations present their plans for increasing defense budgets. Following the summit, a European Council will be held on June 26 and 27 to discuss a joint response to European security threats and the pursuit of a long-term peace in Ukraine.

Spain's President Pedro Sánchez has stated that his government will not finalize any decisions on military spending until after the summit. Sources from the Spanish government have emphasized that no country has made definitive decisions yet, as the issue is far too complex. The increase in military spending, potential troop deployment to Ukraine, and the broader security concerns from Africa, European economies, and even national sovereignty must all be addressed.

The Spanish government has also indicated that the situation remains fluid, with little certainty on how things will evolve. However, they are committed to finding a collective solution. While specifics remain unclear, Sánchez highlighted that Spain could lead the technological leap through investments with the help of technology and defense companies. He also stressed that Spain faces hybrid threats like cybersecurity, terrorism, and climate change impacts rather than direct military threats.

Though countries like France and the UK have already expressed their intention to send troops, Spain has refrained from making such commitments, deeming the debate premature. Nonetheless, leading NATO contributors like France, Germany, the UK, Italy, and Poland have shown a willingness to continue military support to Ukraine and send peacekeeping forces if needed. Spain, however, views this matter as sensitive and not yet ready for final decisions.

In terms of regional security, Spain advocates for a broader focus on security, especially in the southern regions of Europe, such as the Sahel, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, and Palestine. While Spain acknowledges the absence of direct threats, they recognize the potential challenges posed by Russian influence in these areas. Furthermore, Spain highlights the importance of addressing security concerns beyond defense, such as terrorism, migration flows, trade competitiveness, energy security, and climate-related catastrophes. The government is pushing for a "360-degree strategy" for the European Union to protect its members from all angles, a position that has gained support from several European leaders, including Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.