Spain Advocates for a “European Army” to Reduce Dependence on U.S. Defense

Spain has called for the formation of a “European Army” to liberate the continent from American “coercion” and its reliance on Washington for military support.

Foreign Minister José Manuel Álvarez emphasized the need for a European Union military force to ensure Europe is free from what he described as “coercion.” He argued that a substantial army would also deter Russia and other nations from exploiting uncertainties about U.S. commitment to defense—something that has been central to NATO’s foundations.

In a conversation with Politico during the European Council on Foreign Relations of Defense Ministers in Brussels on Tuesday, Álvarez sought to clarify that his proposal wouldn’t diminish NATO’s significance.

This intervention by Spain in continental defense is quite unusual, especially considering that the country is not recognized as a military leader in Europe and has struggled behind other major nations.

Under the administration of socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Spain remains among the lowest contributors to NATO. Other allies have reluctantly come to terms with increasing defense budgets due to a less stable global situation; however, Spain has resisted this trend.

In fact, Spain allocated just 1.3% of its GDP for defense in 2024, barely approaching the 2% mark by 2025. In contrast, Poland leads major European NATO members by spending 4.5%, and the UK is at 2.5%, while the U.S. spends about 3.2% of its GDP.

Despite its underfunded defense, Spain seems to resent the influence of the U.S. within NATO. Its advocacy for a new European military appears to be an attempt to elevate its own standing without a corresponding increase in defense expenditure. Álvarez remarked, “I can’t wake up every morning wondering what the United States is going to do next. Our people deserve better.”

Debates about establishing a European military have persisted for decades. Concerns that the British military could be integrated into a new EU military were pivotal in the UK’s 2016 decision to leave the EU, as many viewed it as a significant loss of national sovereignty. In contrast, Álvarez’s new push for EU military membership reflects a belief that such membership could liberate Spain from external pressures.

“This is a moment of European sovereignty and independence. Americans are inviting us to do this… We must be free from dependence. Freedom from dependence means freedom from coercion, whether that’s tariffs or military threats,” he said.

Moreover, he identified himself as a supporter of the U.S. and highlighted the importance of transatlantic ties. He noted, “To me, the United States is a natural historical ally of Europeans. We need both Europeans and Americans. And we have to accept that the Trump administration has a new vision and new thinking about transatlantic relations.”

Spain’s socialist government has not only resisted President Trump’s requests for increased NATO contributions but has also positioned itself against U.S. military interventions in the Middle East, particularly the Iran conflict. Initially stating a neutral stance, Prime Minister Sánchez’s government later opposed U.S. actions. Notably, in March, Álvarez acknowledged that Spain had prohibited the U.S. from using military bases for Operation Epic Fury and limited U.S. military aircraft passages through its airspace.

This week, Álvarez reaffirmed Spain’s resolve to push back against U.S. expectations.

Previously, it was reported in April that an internal Pentagon email mentioned potentially suspending Spain from NATO due to its inadequate support. President Trump even indicated he might reduce U.S. military presence in Spain, Germany, and Italy, citing their lack of cooperation regarding the Iran situation.