Spain’s Foreign Minister has called on European Union member states to accelerate efforts toward building a joint European defense force, arguing that stronger military integration is essential to deter growing security threats and reduce strategic dependence on external actors.
Speaking at a European security forum, the minister said that recent geopolitical crises have exposed vulnerabilities in Europe’s defense posture and highlighted the need for a more cohesive and credible deterrent. He stressed that the time for political debate has passed and that Europe must move decisively from planning to implementation.
A Response to a Changing Security Environment
The call comes amid heightened tensions in Europe’s eastern and southern neighborhoods, ongoing instability in the Middle East, and concerns over long-term reliability of external security guarantees. According to the Spanish foreign minister, Europe can no longer afford fragmented defense structures that slow decision-making and weaken collective response.
He emphasized that a joint defense force would not replace NATO but would complement it by strengthening Europe’s capacity to act independently when necessary.
Strategic Autonomy at the Core
Spain’s proposal aligns with the EU’s broader push for “strategic autonomy,” a concept that seeks to give Europe greater control over its security, defense industry, and crisis response capabilities. The minister argued that without a unified military framework, Europe risks being reactive rather than proactive in defending its interests.
He also highlighted the economic and technological benefits of deeper defense integration, including joint procurement, shared research and development, and reduced duplication among national armed forces.
Mixed Reactions Across Europe
While several EU countries have expressed support for stronger defense cooperation, others remain cautious, citing concerns over sovereignty, command structures, and financing. Some Eastern European states continue to prioritize NATO as the cornerstone of their security, while others see a European force as a necessary reinforcement.
The Spanish foreign minister acknowledged these concerns but insisted that political hesitation should not delay urgent action, especially as global power competition intensifies.
A Growing Debate
The renewed push from Spain is expected to add momentum to ongoing discussions within the European Council and the EU’s defense institutions. Analysts say the debate over a joint European defense force is likely to intensify in the coming months, as security challenges increasingly test Europe’s ability to act as a unified strategic actor.
For Madrid, the message is clear: without faster progress toward collective defense, Europe risks weakening its deterrence at a moment when strength and unity are more critical than ever.
