Pedro Sánchez Pushes for Military Spending Increase Amidst EU Concerns

Madrid, Spain — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to meet with political representatives from various parties in Congress on Thursday, March 13, to discuss a proposed increase in defense spending to 2% of the country’s GDP. The meeting, taking place at the Moncloa Palace, notably excludes representatives from the far-right Vox party and the left-leaning Sumar party.

While Sánchez has not specified how the government will achieve this target, he reaffirmed Spain’s readiness in a press conference alongside Finland‘s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo. He stated, “We are prepared to meet it, we will,” although he did not offer a definitive timeline.

The Spanish government is seeking clarity from the European Union on financial instruments available to support military enhancements in light of growing geopolitical tensions. Recognizing the apprehension surrounding increased military funding, Sánchez emphasized the need for a moderate impact on the national budget.

“We need a 360-degree approach to security that encompasses everything from open conflicts to cyber-attacks and energy crises,” Sánchez said. If approved, this strategy may also help ease skepticism among some coalition partners who worry that social spending must not suffer as a result of higher military investments.

As part of the initiative, Spanish Economy Minister Carlos Cuerpo suggested adopting a broad definition of defense spending that could include investments in cybersecurity and counter-terrorism efforts. This approach could facilitate reaching the NATO target while addressing concerns of political allies.

The funding debate comes against the backdrop of an ongoing congressional discussion regarding military spending, illustrated by concerns raised during a debate about the Gaza conflict. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares called for unity in confronting what he termed as Europe’s “existential crisis” driven by global power dynamics, particularly between the U.S. and Russia.

Although Spain’s conservative Popular Party (PP) aligns with Sánchez’s military spending goals, it has expressed reservations over backing the initiative without conditions. Leaders from the PP accused Sánchez of attempting to mislead his political partners regarding the implications of increased defense expenditure.

The next NATO summit is planned for June in The Hague, where leaders are expected to deliberate on defense policies. The Spanish government’s plans face potential pushback from various domestic political groups who question the necessity of furthering defense spending in a country that traditionally prioritizes social welfare.

Spanish sources suggest that both the PSOE and Sumar, despite public appearances, may share common ground regarding the military investment debate. Sánchez’s alignment with Orpo underscores the broader European Union debate, where financing methods are being considered in light of escalating defense needs.

As negotiations continue, Sánchez plans to meet with PP leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo to discuss defense expenditure’s implications further. The potential budgetary adjustments necessary for transitioning to higher military funding remain uncertain, as any proposed increases would first need approval in the Lower House of Congress, adding another layer of complexity to the already contentious issue.