Pedro Sánchez, the Prime Minister of Spain, presented a new defense strategy to the Congress, emphasizing an increase in security and defense expenditure.

He stated, "We the Europeans and the Spaniards are not a threat to anyone; we have never represented one.

However, we do not want to feel threatened.

We will not attack any territory, but we will defend our way of life with the best talent and technologies available." This justification comes as Spain is committed to aligning with European Union allies on defense spending, targeting a 2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) investment.

Sánchez is expected to unveil a national plan before summer 2025 to meet this goal, detailing how the increased defense budget will be structured without impacting social spending.

Sánchez assured that this anticipated rise in defense funding would not diminish public welfare expenditures.

He pledged, “While this government remains in power, the additional security spending will not come at the expense of our welfare state.” He reiterated the necessity of investing in both security and social welfare as complementary endeavors, arguing that a prosperous economy can achieve both concurrently.

Since taking office in 2018, Sánchez has increased defense spending significantly, raising it from 0.9% of GDP under the previous administration to 1.2% in 2023. Concurrently, he noted an increase of nearly 120 billion euros in public services and social benefits under his leadership.

Despite this commitment to boost defense spending, Sánchez left open the exact amount of the increase, acknowledging the need for further clarity from European Union discussions regarding collective defense budget commitments.

Various EU member states have proposed spending targets ranging from 2% to 5% of GDP, introducing uncertainty into the specifics of Spain's strategic financial planning.

He emphasized the importance of utilizing funds effectively rather than merely increasing the budget, promising to present the necessary financial mechanisms to Parliament as they become clearer.

In parallel, Sánchez advocated for the creation of a European army, stating that integrated military forces under a common flag could enhance unity and stability in the region.

The proposal has generated dissent among opposition parties, particularly from Alberto Núñez Feijóo, the leader of the Popular Party (PP).

He rejected the government's initiative, citing concerns about its coalition partners—particularly Sumar, which opposes NATO membership.

While acknowledging the gravity of the geopolitical situation, Feijóo criticized the government's leadership and expressed the need for a bipartisan defense agreement.

He noted that without a solid budget or majority, Sanchez has limited options.

Feijóo described the current administration as lacking direction, predicting that Sanchez would neither seek parliamentary approval for increased defense funding nor call new elections despite those challenges.

Responses from coalition partners have varied.

Sumar's spokesperson, Verónica Martínez Barbero, rejected the notion that increased expenditure directly equates to improved security, calling for a redefined security paradigm that moves beyond traditional military solutions.

She argued against militarized approaches, highlighting the complexity of contemporary threats.

Santiago Abascal, leader of Vox, voiced strong support for increased defense spending, focusing on the protection of Spain's borders and national interests.

He criticized the longstanding PP-PSOE partnership for what he claims has weakened the European defense posture and demands a serious reconsideration of defense priorities.

Miriam Nogueras from Junts per Catalunya noted the need for Europe to reassess its military dependence on the United States, calling for a comprehensive re-evaluation of security governance and the defense of civic rights.

Gabriel Rufián from Esquerra Republicana de Catalunya questioned the rationale behind escalating military expenditures, arguing for more efficient use of existing resources and collective European defense efforts.

Mertxe Aizpurua of EH Bildu stressed the importance for the left to engage seriously in security discussions to avoid ceding ground to more extreme positions.

Aitor Esteban from the PNV advocated for increased clarity and cooperation concerning defense spending in Europe, emphasizing the need for a unified approach.

He pointed to the delicate nature of the current circumstances and the necessity for consensus in future defense policies.