August M
Spain has called for Europe to build a stronger independent military force as concerns grow that Donald Trump could reduce American support for NATO and weaken the continent’s security guarantees against Russia.
The Express reported that Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Europe could no longer fully depend on the United States for protection.
Europe urged to act
According to Albares, the European Union must become more militarily independent as tensions with Washington continue to rise.
“We cannot be waking up every morning wondering what the US will do next… our citizens deserve better,” he told Politico.
“This is the moment of the sovereignty and independence of Europe.”
NATO concerns grow
The comments come as European governments increasingly debate how to strengthen defence cooperation following repeated criticism of NATO from Donald Trump.
The Express noted that Trump has demanded NATO members spend 5% of GDP on defence and has threatened consequences for countries failing to meet expectations.
Spain has resisted those demands, reportedly putting Madrid in direct conflict with Washington.
Call for EU deterrence
Albares argued that Europe should create a stronger collective defence system capable of deterring Russia even without direct US military backing.
“The magic of NATO is that you are in NATO and nothing happens because no one dares to try to check if Article 5 really works,” he said.
“That’s what we have to recreate — the deterrence.”
The Spanish minister also warned Europe could not allow its security to be “held to ransom” by political changes in the United States.
Divisions remain
According to The Express, the proposal is expected to divide European governments.
While some EU leaders support greater “strategic autonomy,” many countries remain cautious about replacing NATO structures with a separate European army.
Critics argue Europe still lacks the military coordination, capabilities and political unity needed to defend itself independently against a major Russian threat.
Defence talks continue
European countries have already increased military spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, investing heavily in air defence, missile systems and intelligence capabilities.
The Express reported that EU foreign and defence ministers are expected to discuss military independence further during meetings in Brussels this week.
The debate comes as relations between Europe and Moscow remain deeply strained more than four years after the start of the war in Ukraine.
Sources: The Express, Politico.
