Spanish Foreign Minister Calls for Creation of a Unified European Army

(Patria) - Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares stated today that Europe should have its own army, echoing the views of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed in Davos, Switzerland.

- I think it is time for Europe to take its destiny and its sovereignty into its own hands - Albares told CNN on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum.

He explained that this means removing all barriers in the single market and ensuring reliable trading partners at a time of increasing discussions about tariffs.

He emphasized that Europe must also have its own defense - take security into its own hands, connect defense industries, and move towards the creation of a European army.

Zelensky stated earlier today that Europe is too dependent on the US for its security, saying that "Europe needs united armed forces that can truly defend Europe today."

When asked if his defense proposals would include additional aid to Ukraine, Albares replied that Spain "is doing as much as it can".

He stressed that Spain will continue to provide assistance until Ukraine achieves "a just and lasting peace", adding that the situation in that country is directly linked to the future of Europe and democracy on the continent.