Spanish PM Assures Welfare State Remains Intact Amid Defence Spending Hike
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Synopsis
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez assures that increased defence spending will not compromise social services or the Welfare State. He emphasizes the necessity for European unity in defense strategies and calls for dialogue with the US government regarding tariffs and defense commitments.
Key Takeaways
- Pedro Sanchez emphasizes increased spending won't harm Welfare State.
- Calls for a unified European defense policy.
- Stresses the importance of establishing a European army.
- Urges US reconsideration on defense tariffs.
- Hungary hosts a major EU military exercise.
Madrid, March 26 (NationPress) Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez affirmed on Wednesday that the planned increase in defence spending will not lead to reductions in social services or the Welfare State.
While speaking in the Spanish Congress, Sanchez highlighted the necessity for Europe to boost its defence budget, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the United States' commitment to European security under a potential Trump Presidency.
He stated, "The advancement of global peace is more crucial than ever," emphasizing that "the EU's leadership is essential," while expressing concerns that currently, "Europe lacks a unified policy on defence and security."
The Spanish leader is convinced of the importance of "establishing the groundwork for a European army," which includes having "armed forces with a common flag and shared interests" capable of addressing military and cyber threats, as well as the impacts of climate change, according to Xinhua news agency.
"We are not looking to invade any territory, but we are dedicated to safeguarding our lifestyle," Sanchez remarked, adding that this commitment also encompasses defending the Welfare State.
"I want our citizens to understand that as long as I am Prime Minister, this security initiative will not come at the expense of our Welfare State," stated Sanchez, who also urged the US government to reconsider its stance on defence and tariffs.
"We call on the United States to rethink and engage in dialogue. Europe is a global power and will act accordingly. We do not seek a trade war, but we are negotiating a smart collaborative response," he added.
In other news, Hungary is currently hosting a significant military exercise for the European Union, involving over 900 troops from 11 member countries.
This exercise, named 'MILEX 2025', runs from March 25 to April 10, aiming to evaluate the land-based operational capabilities of the EU Battlegroups under realistic conditions. Hungarian media labeled it as "the largest" of the bloc.
Training is taking place at the Papa Air Base and Hungary's Central Shooting and Training Range, where soldiers are performing live-fire drills and tactical operations utilizing advanced technologies and procedures.
The exercise is supervised by the multinational EUROCORPS command. Troops participating come from Hungary, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, Spain, France, Croatia, Lithuania, and Latvia.
