Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has reiterated the need for the European Union (EU) to establish a transfer system, akin to the Next Generation EU funds created during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support member states in increasing defense expenditures to 2% of their GDP. Speaking in the Congress of Deputies, Sánchez expressed that while his administration welcomes various measures being discussed within the EU to address current security challenges, a system of transfers is necessary to facilitate these financial commitments.

Sánchez stated, 'We are aware that not all countries share this approach, but we will fight for it.' He acknowledged that while such transfers might primarily benefit Eastern European nations, they would serve as a means to balance and facilitate increased spending on defense across the continent.

Drawing parallels to the collective response during the COVID-19 crisis, Sánchez emphasized the urgency of a unified approach to European security, stating, 'If security is a public good of Europe, we need to also have common resources.' This statement reflects broader discussions initiated at the recent European Council meeting focused on the EU's strategic responses.

The Prime Minister highlighted that specific tools for realizing increased military spending are still under consideration.

However, he reaffirmed Spain's commitment to aligning with other EU partners on this issue.

Sánchez referenced a quote from Jean Monnet, a founding father of the EU, emphasizing that the Union would be forged through crises and the solutions derived from them, remarking on the resurgence of imperialist tensions, specifically pointing to Russia’s actions and shifts in U.S. military and economic policy.

Sánchez articulated the historical significance of military and security integration among EU nations, which was sidelined during the Cold War when Europe became reliant on U.S. defense.

He called for a renewed focus on integrating European defense policy, underscoring the potential for joint military initiatives.

While presenting his discourse on defense, Sánchez acknowledged differing opinions on what percentage of GDP should be allocated to military funding.

Notably, Eastern European countries, bordering Russia, advocate for allocations as high as 5%.

Conversely, Sánchez reaffirmed Spain's commitment to meeting the 2% target initially pledged by former Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy in 2014.

Additionally, Sánchez has revived discussions about establishing a unified EU army, a concept that has had sporadic support throughout the EU's history but has gained traction amid current geopolitical concerns.

He stated, 'We Europeans must move from pooling our security and defense policies to developing a common security and defense policy, with unique funding instruments and joint procurement, as we did with COVID and the vaccines.'

While addressing the Congress, Sánchez acknowledged the calls from the opposition, particularly the Popular Party (PP), for parliamentary discussion on defense resolutions.

He highlighted that Rajoy committed to a 2% defense spending increase without presenting the issue to the Congress, implicitly rejecting the notion that parliamentary approval is necessary for such expenditures in the current context.

Despite the absence of a budget for the current year, the government plans to increase spending through previously unspent funds across various ministries, limiting Congress's involvement unless legally mandated.

Sánchez maintained a distinct narrative directed toward his coalition partners, particularly Sumar, who have expressed opposition to increased military funding, arguing that it could detract from social spending.

Sánchez remained resolute, asserting that the increase in defense spending 'will not be at the expense of the welfare state.' He affirmed that enhancements in military funding would instead complement existing social spending, countering claims that such funding would necessitate trade-offs.

The Prime Minister announced that once EU details are finalized, Spain would initiate a national plan to develop and bolster its security and defense industry, drawing on lessons learned from the resilience plan implemented during the pandemic.

During his address, Sánchez’s initial remarks spanned 47 minutes, followed by an extensive engagement with other parties, dedicating 42 minutes specifically to responding to opposition leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo. In his rebuttal, Sánchez was critical of the PP, accusing it of lacking its own ideas and being influenced by external factors.

He emphasized the necessity for a responsible opposition during pivotal national debates, suggesting that the current opposition has not demonstrated the collaboration required on state matters.