This flexibility would allow countries like Spain to maintain budgetary balance. Sánchez assured that the plan will not involve tax increases or cuts to the welfare state.
The Prime Minister explained that current threats to European security go beyond the use of missiles and traditional weaponry. He pointed to the use of drones, paramilitary forces, disinformation on social networks, sabotage of strategic infrastructures, and advanced cyberattacks as new forms of aggression.
"The enemies of Europe also use quantum computers to compromise our telecommunications networks and public services. This is a direct attack on our way of life," he warned.
Spain will reach this year the defense spending target of 2% of GDP, set by NATO, according to an announcement made on Tuesday by the Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez. This achievement will be accomplished much earlier than the self-imposed deadline of 2029, thanks to an ambitious investment plan of 10.470 billion euros.
The measure responds to both growing geopolitical tensions and international pressure, especially from the United States, for allied countries to strengthen their military spending.
In 2024, Spain allocated only 1.3% of its GDP to defense, the lowest figure among NATO members. This low percentage has been harshly criticized by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently urged allies to increase their military spending to 5% of GDP.
El presidente estadounidense remarcó a los países europeos que deben aumentar su gasto en defensa
In this context, Sánchez has emphasized that the new plan not only aims to meet international commitments but also to strengthen European security and sovereignty against emerging threats.
The Spanish plan, called the "industrial and technological plan for security and defense," will focus on strategic areas such as telecommunications, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the acquisition of military equipment.
Approximately one-third of the funds will be allocated to creating a "digital shield against hackers," while 19% will be invested in modernizing defensive capabilities through the production and purchase of new military material.
Sánchez stated that this strategy will allow Spain to meet the spending target "in record time," and will strengthen its role in the defense of the European continent. "Spain will contribute to defending Europe," he declared, while highlighting that this investment will contribute to the country's reindustrialization, foster technological innovation, and generate employment.
El plan español no se centrará tanto en aspectos militares tradicionales
The European Commission has proposed allowing member countries to increase their defense spending by up to 1.5% of annual GDP for four years, without this negatively affecting their deficit targets.
La Comisión Europea propuso aumentos en defensa del 1,5% anual del PBI
Sánchez also emphasized that the world has changed and that security policy must adapt to these new realities. "If I had been asked a few years ago about my government's investment priorities, the answer would have been different. Not because our values have changed, but because the world has changed," he stated.
Furthermore, he directly linked Spain's security with the stability of Eastern Europe, the Baltic and Nordic countries, and with the Ukrainian war machinery in its conflict with Russia. "Ukraine's security is also Spain's security. Europe responds, and Spain complies," he said, criticizing Vladimir Putin's "neo-imperialism" as a direct threat to the entire continent.
The announcement has caused mixed reactions in the national political arena. While Sánchez claims to have the majority support of Parliament, some coalition partners, such as the left-wing platform Sumar, have described the plan as "incoherent" and of "absolutely exorbitant" cost.
Pedro Sánchez sumó grandes críticas por parte de los sectores de izquierda
In the international arena, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has used pressures from Washington as leverage to motivate member countries to increase their spending. Rutte has cited Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Italy as examples of countries already taking significant steps in this direction.
With this initiative, Spain not only fulfills a commitment made in 2014, but also could position itself as a relevant actor in European collective defense at a time of high global uncertainty.
El secretario general de la OTAN ha realizado presiones a Europa para aumentar su gasto en defensa
