Spain urges stronger EU military independence

(MENAFN) Spain’s foreign minister called on European nations to strengthen their own military capabilities, arguing that doubts surrounding Washington’s long-term commitment to Europe’s security could encourage rivals such as Russia.

Speaking in remarks cited by reports, José Manuel Albares said Europe should no longer depend entirely on American protection and must take greater responsibility for its own defense.

“We cannot be waking up every morning wondering what the US will do next,” Albares said. “Our citizens deserve better.”

His comments highlight a broader change in attitude among European governments as concerns grow over the future of the transatlantic partnership, particularly amid tensions linked to Iran and the possibility of another presidency for Donald Trump.

Albares described the current international climate as a decisive moment for Europe to reinforce its strategic independence.

“This is the moment of the sovereignty and independence of Europe. The Americans are inviting us to that,” he said. “We have to be free of dependence. Free of dependence means to be free of coercion, whether it comes to tariffs or the use of military threat. And free of the consequences of someone else’s decisions.”

He stressed that developing stronger European defense structures should not be interpreted as undermining the Western alliance.

“We need a military, a common defense capacity,” he said. “The US have been making their army stronger and stronger and no one thinks that that weakens NATO. If NATO is not providing any more the security that was given before … (then) we have to do more as Europeans.”

The Spanish minister also argued that Europe must rebuild the level of deterrence that formed the foundation of NATO’s security framework throughout the Cold War era.

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