Spain’s Prime Minister Sanchez commits to executing a defense enhancement plan by the summer

The Spanish government is set to outline and initiate a plan aimed at enhancing the defense sector before the summer, as announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez to lawmakers on Wednesday, although he did not disclose specific details.

“The goal of this initiative is for Spain to both contribute to and gain from this technological and industrial boost, thereby reinforcing the European security and defense framework while adhering to our core principles,” he stated.

In his address regarding emerging global geopolitical challenges, Sanchez assured that any increase in security and defense investments would not come at the expense of social or environmental spending. With Spain projected to have the lowest defense expenditure in the NATO alliance at 1.3% of its gross domestic product in 2024, Sanchez aims to align with European allies who are concerned about the threats posed by Russia and the unpredictability of the U.S. under President Donald Trump.

He is encountering resistance from left-wing coalition partners who are hesitant to reduce social spending in favor of defense.

Sanchez has previously asserted that Spain will meet NATO’s defense spending target of 2% of GDP ahead of the previously set deadline of 2029, emphasizing that southern European nations face distinct challenges compared to their eastern counterparts, necessitating a focus on border security, counter-terrorism, and cyber defense.