Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has called for direct subsidies rather than only loans to bolster European defence. In a recent press conference in Helsinki, he reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to achieving the NATO target of two percent of GDP for security and defence expenditures. Sánchez stated, “We are prepared to fulfil our obligation of two percent and I will explain to the citizens how and when we will achieve this goal.”

During his visit, Sánchez expressed that the increase in defence spending over the last seven years should not compromise social spending. He met with Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, where the two discussed the increasing threats from Russia and the necessity to identify real security challenges. Sánchez also pointed out the need for a balanced financial approach, advocating for direct subsidies to countries most threatened by Russian aggression.

Sánchez characterised the recent agreement for a thirty-day truce between Ukraine and the United States as “positive news”. He warned that Russia’s response remains uncertain and underscored the EU’s readiness to play an essential role in peace negotiations. He reiterated that the security of Ukraine is synonymous with the security of Europe, promising unconditional support for Ukraine for as long as necessary.

The Prime Minister’s visit to Finland is part of a broader journey across Europe aimed at discussing European rearmament, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and the looming threat from Russia, with future stops planned in Luxembourg.