Sánchez calls for the creation of an EU army: Not in 10 years, but tomorrow

(Patria) - Spain is ready to work on creating a common European Union army tomorrow, because only in this way can European "middle powers" gain security and defense importance in today's world, said Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

- We are ready to move towards a common European army, not in ten or two years, but immediately. Tomorrow, if I can put it colloquially - Sánchez stated in Barcelona at the European Pulse forum dedicated to the future of Europe.

Sánchez believes that the creation of a common army is not a matter of choice but a necessity given the current wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and global tensions.

- The European Union consists of middle powers in the field of defense and security, and as such, we can only be significant if we build a common army - believes Sánchez.

He notes that this is necessary so that "others do not exploit" the vulnerability of EU countries in this area.

The Spanish socialist made this statement amidst a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, and amidst Israel's attacks on Lebanon, at a time when Brussels has no significant influence on events there.

Spain had previously rejected US President Donald Trump's request to increase investment in arms purchases to five percent of GDP, as he had requested from all members of the NATO military alliance.

Madrid also closed its airspace to US planes that could participate in an attack on Iran, and also banned arms exports to Israel through its ports, accusing both countries of waging an illegal war contrary to international law.

The US and Israel have criticized Spain for this, with Trump threatening trade sanctions in March.

Sánchez, who faces parliamentary elections next year, said yesterday that investment in common EU defense and security must be accompanied by efforts in other areas, such as economic growth and the promotion of social housing construction.