Madrid: The Spanish prime minister tied the recently announced increase in defense spending to the changing global context during a speech Wednesday to Congress.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pedro Sanchez highlighted the abrupt changes in the international context over recent months, referencing ongoing challenges such as ‘Putin’s neo-imperialism’ and instability in the Sahel region as significant factors influencing the decision. Sanchez articulated that these global developments necessitate a strategic response, prompting Spain to increase its defense spending to 2% of its gross domestic product (GDP) by the end of 2025. This is part of a broader Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defense, which is valued at £10.471 billion ($11.2 billion).

Sanchez emphasized the need for adaptation to the new geopolitical realities, citing the ‘180-degree shift in the political and geopolitical strategy of the new United States administration’ as a pivotal reason for the increased defense allocation. He asserted that both Spain and Europe must prepare for and anticipate the repercussions of these global changes.

The prime minister characterized the spending increase as an ‘additional effort’ to counter ‘threats’ to European stability and safeguard Spain’s national interests. He reassured citizens that the objective is not to provoke or engage in an arms race but to ensure security through modernization. “Our goal is to protect ourselves, to deter those who wish us harm. Our goal is to modernize our armed forces with deterrent and security capabilities so that Spain and Europe can continue moving forward in their project of rights, freedoms, and democracy,” Sanchez stated.