Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled to address the Congress of Deputies on Wednesday regarding the proposed increase in defense spending mandated by the European Union.

The session comes in the wake of persistent criticism from the Popular Party (PP), which has pressed Sánchez to clarify his plans while facing dissent among his coalition partners, with internal disagreement on the approach to be taken towards increased military expenditure.

The discourse is expected to feature critiques from both the right and left of the political spectrum, as the PP demands clarity on the proposed fiscal adjustments, noting they will not provide 'a blank cheque' to the government.

Meanwhile, Sumar, a minority partner in Sánchez's coalition, has taken a firm stance against the increase in defense spending.

Other regular allies of the government have expressed their opposition as well, though some, like the Basque Nationalist Party (PNV), have indicated a willingness to engage in dialogue on the matter.

Sánchez's address aims to convey the outcomes of last week's European Council meeting in Brussels, where EU leaders discussed a comprehensive plan to mobilize around €800 billion for military spending by easing certain investment regulations.

Set against this backdrop, the EU, led by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, intends to press member states to commit to an increase in defense budgets.

Although no specific details on how the proposed increase will be implemented are anticipated from Sánchez during the session, the target has been established: member states are to aim for a defense expenditure equivalent to 2% of GDP by 2029. The current debate centers on whether this target can be accelerated and the mechanisms for doing so.

Government sources assert that this discussion is not merely about announcements but is fundamentally a matter of pedagogy and philosophy, acknowledging the expected tense atmosphere, especially from the PP led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo. Despite unanimous opposition from Sumar and criticism from other coalition partners, the government remains hopeful that key allies will ultimately unify in support of the PSOE.

A crucial condition set by Sumar for their support is a commitment from the PSOE that any increase in defense spending will not come at the expense of social spending.

This assurance was previously given by Sánchez during discussions held at Moncloa with party spokespersons, with Sánchez indicating that specifics would not be finalized until June, coinciding with a NATO summit and another significant European Council meeting.

Feijóo is expected to reiterate calls for Sánchez to disclose his plans and subject them to a vote in the lower chamber, emphasizing that 'his partners are incompatible with the European Union'.

The Popular Party acknowledges the necessity of increasing defense spending—a move that is advocated by the broader European People's Party, of which they are a part.

Any vote against the increase could position the PP in opposition to its European counterparts.

On the far left, Podemos, led by Ione Belarra, has firmly rejected the increase, branding Sánchez as a 'man of war' and conducting an aggressive opposition campaign while also demanding that the matter be put to a vote in Congress.

Other coalition members, such as ERC, have similarly expressed strong reservations and called for a collective rejection of increased military expenditure.

Despite the various factions within the coalition voicing their disagreements, sources within Moncloa believe that the overarching sentiment shared by the majority underscores a critical view of the current security landscape in Europe.

Sánchez is expected to deliver an educational address focused on overall security, as opposed to militarism.