ISTANBUL

Spain highlighted Europe’s crucial role in shaping global security and defense strategies, stressing the urgent need for the continent to take decisive action in safeguarding its future amid shifting dynamics in international relations.

"We can't keep theorizing forever; we need to mobilize," said Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares in an interview with the Spanish daily El Pais released on Sunday.

"The world is undergoing a new era," he also said, noting the recent fiery debate between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.

"Europe is more necessary than ever," Albares added, urging the continent to strengthen its defense framework and protect its democratic values. He reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to Ukraine, citing Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s pledge of €1 billion ($1.03 billion) in aid to Kyiv.

EU-US alliance, stronger European defense efforts

Regarding the tense relations between Europe and the US, Albares dismissed Trump’s claim that the EU was created to annoy America and emphasized the EU’s role in preventing war in Europe.

"The European Union and the United States are natural, historic allies. What we’ve done together since the beginning of the European construction has been mutually beneficial," he said. However, he also acknowledged that Europe must be prepared to move forward autonomously when needed.

Albares highlighted the need for European NATO members to bolster their defense capabilities, calling for a "European defense pillar" that includes both national and EU-level contributions. "We can't keep theorizing forever; we need to mobilize," he noted.

As part of Spain’s broader strategy, he supported the exploration of various funding mechanisms, including the European Investment Bank and mutualization of defense spending.

Addressing Spain’s defense spending, which currently lags behind NATO’s 2% GDP target, Albares defended his country's efforts, pointing out that Spain ranks eighth in absolute defense contributions within the alliance.

"We have a public commitment to reach it by 2029," he said, citing Spain’s significant military deployments and equipment investments.

Support for global stability

Turning to other global affairs, Albares discussed Europe’s shifting relationship with China and the Middle East.

While acknowledging the growing importance of China and India, he stressed that Europe must prioritize its own interests in these relationships, including strengthening ties with Latin America.

On the Middle East, he defended Spain’s foreign policy, which aligns with international law and supports peace efforts in Gaza.

Albares concluded by reaffirming Spain’s stance on Morocco and the Western Sahara conflict, describing Rabat as a key strategic partner. He reiterated Madrid's support for the UN-led process in seeking a solution to the long-standing dispute.

"The Spanish position on this is well known and was reflected in the Spanish-Moroccan declaration, which is shared by most EU countries," he added.

In a rapidly changing world, Albares called for a redefined European approach to security, urging for collective action to address both emerging threats and long-standing geopolitical challenges.