Spain Advocates for European Military Independence
Spain’s socialist government is urging the European Union to establish a military force to lessen reliance on the United States for defense.
In a conversation with the Spanish news agency EFE, Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez remarked on the situation, indicating that President Trump seems to be trying to “alter the international order.” He pointed to recent tensions, including the ousting of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and disputes over Greenland.
Álvarez emphasized the necessity for Europe to acknowledge “its own strength.” He suggested that the United States should transition to a European-led military framework to bolster its own security independently.
While acknowledging the long-standing alliance between Brussels and Washington based on mutual values, he noted that President Trump has adopted “different principles.”
However, Álvarez expressed skepticism regarding claims that Trump’s Greenland annexation threat could unravel NATO, as suggested by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. “I don’t see that as a possibility,” he said, adding that decisions about Greenland should rest with its residents and Denmark, which has governed the island for centuries.
The idea of a European Army, once dismissed by critics of the Brexit referendum, has gained traction among significant EU leaders.
Last March, EU President Ursula von der Leyen stated that a “European Defense Union” is essential to counter further Russian aggression. She mentioned the unreliability of the United States in safeguarding European interests.
She commented, “After the Cold War, there was an expectation of integrating Russia into Europe’s security framework, and some relied too heavily on the U.S. for protection, causing us to lower our defenses.”
“It’s time to establish a European defense union, ensuring peace on our continent through collaboration. This is Europe’s opportunity, and we must rise to the challenge,” she added.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy also advocated for a European army, emphasizing the need for autonomy from American influence. “Honestly, we can’t ignore the chance that the U.S. might say ‘no’ on critical matters for Europe. Many leaders have discussed the necessity for a European army, and I genuinely believe that now is the time to make this happen,” he stated.
