In a recent address at the closing of the XV Congress of the PSDG-PSOE in Santiago de Compostela, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the imperative for Europe to increase military spending.

Sánchez articulated the necessity of raising public awareness in Spain regarding security threats that are often perceived as distant due to geographical considerations, specifically referencing the situation in Ukraine.

He argued that Spain faces substantial challenges not just from Eastern Europe, but also from the Southern region, particularly from failing states in the Sahel, which are experiencing a significant rise in terrorism.

The Sahel, a region located in North Africa, has increasingly become a focal point for global terrorism in recent years.

Countries such as Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, which have recently experienced military coups, continue to grapple with persistent instability as jihadist movements gain ground.

In addition, other nations in the region, like Sudan, are marked by ongoing conflicts and severe food shortages, complicating the security landscape further.

Military cooperation in the region has also shifted, with Sahelian nations turning towards Russia for support in countering terrorism.

The Wagner Group has become a notable presence, assisting local governments in their fight against militant groups, albeit amid reports of human rights abuses against civilians.

This realignment has contributed to a deterioration of ties with Western nations.

In his remarks, Sánchez underscored the need for Europe to develop its own security strategy, especially in light of the potential return of Donald Trump to U.S. politics, which could influence transatlantic relations.

He stressed that European rearmament should encompass not only traditional military capabilities but also enhance security measures, particularly in the field of cybersecurity.

Sánchez highlighted the importance of bolstering defenses against foreign intrusions and cyberattacks targeting citizens.

Addressing the geographical distance from the war in Ukraine, Sánchez insisted that this should not lead to complacency among the Spanish people, asserting that peace in Ukraine is inherently linked to the security of Europe as a whole.

During his speech, Sánchez experienced a brief interruption when an attendee required medical assistance; Services promptly attended to the situation, allowing the Prime Minister to resume his address.

In his criticism of the opposition party, the People's Party (PP), Sánchez urged it to reconsider its association with the far-right Vox party, drawing parallels with the political landscape in Germany.

He cited Germany's right-wing parties distancing themselves from the ultra-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) as a model for the PP. Sánchez further expressed concern over the rise of a right-wing movement that he accused of attempting to erode social rights and welfare achievements within Europe, referring to it as a 'right-wing international.' He cautioned that this movement seeks to distract from vital societal issues through sensational rhetoric, stating that it aims to dismantle key social structures essential for the welfare state.