Ankara: Spain highlighted Europe’s crucial role in shaping global security and defense strategies, stressing the urgent need for the continent to take decisive action in safeguarding its future amid shifting dynamics in international relations. “We can’t keep theorizing forever; we need to mobilize,” said Spain’s Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in an interview with the Spanish daily El Pais released on Sunday.
According to Anadolu Agency, Albares noted that “the world is undergoing a new era,” referencing the recent debate between US President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House. He emphasized the necessity of Europe, urging the continent to enhance its defense framework and protect its democratic values. Albares reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to Ukraine, citing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s pledge of £1 billion ($1.03 billion) in aid to Kyiv.
Albares addressed the relationship between Europe and the US, dismissing Trump’s claim that the EU was created to annoy America and underscoring the EU’s role in preventing war in Europe. He described the EU and the US as natural, historic allies who have benefitted mutually since the beginning of European construction. However, he also recognized the importance of Europe being prepared to move forward autonomously when necessary.
He called on European NATO members to bolster their defense capabilities, suggesting a “European defense pillar” that would include both national and EU-level contributions. He also supported exploring various funding mechanisms as part of Spain’s broader strategy, such as the European Investment Bank and mutualization of defense spending.
Regarding Spain’s defense spending, which currently falls short of NATO’s 2% GDP target, Albares defended his country’s efforts, noting that Spain ranks eighth in absolute defense contributions within the alliance. He expressed a commitment to meet the target by 2029, highlighting Spain’s significant military deployments and equipment investments.
Albares also addressed Europe’s relationships with China and the Middle East, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing Europe’s own interests, including strengthening ties with Latin America. On the Middle East, he supported Spain’s foreign policy that aligns with international law and peace efforts in Gaza.
On the issue of Morocco and the Western Sahara conflict, Albares described Rabat as a key strategic partner and reiterated Madrid’s support for the UN-led process in seeking a solution. He noted that the Spanish position is well-known and reflected in the Spanish-Moroccan declaration shared by most EU countries.
In a rapidly changing world, Albares called for a redefined European approach to security, urging collective action to address both emerging threats and long-standing geopolitical challenges.