Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has once again emphasised the commitment to increasing the country’s defence spending to two percent of Gross Domestic Product. However, he refrained from providing details on when this increase will happen and what the total amount will be. During his discussions with parliamentary groups, Sánchez stated that the primary focus should be on investing wisely, not just increasing spending. He assured that this investment will not lead to cuts in social expenditure.

Sánchez indicated that further details on the defence budget would be provided during the next NATO summit, explaining that Spain must first understand its current defence budget in NATO terms. As of 2023, this figure stands at one point twenty-eight percent of GDP, with the number for twenty twenty-four still unknown. He acknowledged questions from various political parties about the specifics of the planned increase and whether it would be brought to the Congress of Deputies.

Criticism arose from opposition leaders, including Alberto Núñez Feijóo from the PP, who accused Sánchez of lacking clear details regarding the proposed expenditure and its management. Despite facing scepticism, Sánchez reiterated Spain’s preparedness to meet the two percent defence budget goal and stressed the importance of European unity and technological development in enhancing national security.

Sánchez also addressed the ongoing war in Ukraine, stating Spain’s role as the fourth largest military aid contributor and advocating for a stronger European presence in peace negotiations. He highlighted the necessity of achieving a just and lasting peace that reinforces the multilateral order and supports both Ukraine and Europe against aggression.