Spain is calling for the creation of a European Union army, amid growing concerns that the continent can no longer rely on NATO for military protection. The country's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, stated that NATO, dominated by the United States since its founding in 1949, may not be depended upon to provide security guarantees. He argued that if the EU were not beholden to NATO, Donald Trump could not hold Europe's security to ransom.
Albares: Europe Must Be Free of Dependence
In an interview with Politico, Albares said: 'We cannot be waking up every morning wondering what the US will do next… our citizens deserve better. This is the moment of the sovereignty and independence of Europe. The Americans are inviting us to that.' He emphasised the need for Europe to be free of dependence: 'Free of dependence means to be free of coercion, whether it comes to tariffs or the use of military threat. And free of the consequences of someone else's decisions.'
Spain has been one of the most vocal opponents of the US in Europe. Trump has threatened to impose additional trade tariffs on the nation following its refusal to increase defence spending to 5% of GDP. The US president has also suggested he could withdraw US troops from bases in Spain and even attempt to suspend Spain from NATO over Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez's refusal to support Trump's war in Iran.
EU's Own Article 5: A Deterrent Force
Albares said he wants to see the EU form its own version of Article 5, the mutual defence clause that states an attack on one ally is an attack on all. He explained: 'The magic of NATO is that you are in NATO and nothing happens because no one dares to try to check if Article 5 really works or not. That's what we have to recreate – the deterrence. That if you want to mess with me, go somewhere else. Because we will stand together.'
Currently, the EU has a weaker version, Article 42.7, which obligates member states to support any member under attack. However, few believe the continent possesses sufficient military capability to make Article 42.7 a meaningful deterrent.
US-EU Relations Under Strain
Relations between the EU and US are fraying. Last week, Trump threatened to place 'much higher' tariffs on the EU by July 4 if the bloc fails to drop its own levies on the US to zero. Following a phone call with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Trump said he had agreed to give the continent until 'our Country's 250th Birthday or, unfortunately, their Tariffs would immediately jump to much higher levels.' However, hours after his threat, a US trade court ruled Trump's latest 10% global tariffs were not allowed under American law.
