Spain Advocates for a Unified EU Army to Enhance Defense

Spain has urged the European Union to advance towards the establishment of a joint European army, asserting that a unified military force would provide a more effective deterrent against military and economic coercion than the current disparate national armies. This call was made by Spain’s Foreign Minister, José Manuel Albares, in an interview with Reuters on Wednesday, just before a series of discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Albares emphasized that Europe must demonstrate its capability to defend itself. He suggested that the EU should prioritize the integration of its defense industry by pooling military resources before forming what he termed a “coalition of the willing” among member states. He acknowledged the delicate nature of public sentiment regarding military mobilization but maintained that collective action at the EU level presents a stronger foundation for security.

“The concern over whether European citizens would be willing to assemble militarily is a legitimate debate,” Albares stated. “But the chance of assembling a critical mass is higher as a bloc than on a national level. A joint effort would be more efficient than 27 separate national armies.”

These remarks arrive ahead of an emergency meeting of EU leaders set for Thursday in Brussels, aimed at coordinating a unified response to threats made by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the potential purchase or annexation of Greenland. A spokesperson for the European Council confirmed that the meeting would proceed despite Trump’s announcement on social media about forming a deal with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.

Albares made these comments following discussions with India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in New Delhi, where they explored opportunities for enhanced defense cooperation between Spain and India. He clarified that the proposal for a unified European army does not intend to undermine or replace NATO, reaffirming Spain’s commitment to the transatlantic alliance.

“But we need to demonstrate that Europe is not a place that will let itself be coerced militarily or economically,” he remarked. A senior foreign official indicated that Spain’s stance remains unchanged, even as Trump softened his position on Greenland after discussions with Rutte. “Spain is glad that a pathway for dialogue has been opened within the NATO framework, if that pathway is confirmed,” the official noted.

The concept of integrating national armed forces into a supranational European army is not a novel idea. It was first proposed in 1951 as part of efforts to counter the Soviet Union and ensure that German rearmament did not pose a threat to neighboring states. However, the plan was ultimately rejected when the French parliament voted it down in 1954.

Reflecting on this historical context, Albares stated that today’s European leaders hold a responsibility to complete the project. “The idea of European defense was part of the origin of the European Union,” he expressed. “It is up to my generation to finish this task.”