Spain's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, has called for the European Union to establish its own standing army to reduce dependence on the United States for defence. His remarks come amid rising tensions with the Trump administration over NATO commitments and US foreign policy.
Speaking to Politico ahead of Monday's Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels, Albares argued that Europe must be prepared for countries like Russia to test whether Washington would come to its aid. He said, 'We cannot be waking up every morning wondering what the US will do next. Our citizens deserve better.'
The call follows President Trump's decision to pull 5,000 troops from Germany and his repeated criticisms of NATO, including threats to withdraw from the alliance. Albares insisted that an EU army would not undermine NATO, stating, 'If NATO is not providing any more the security that was given before … we have to do more as Europeans.'
Albares emphasised the need for deterrence, referencing NATO's Article 5 mutual defence clause. '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,' he said.
Spain has been a vocal critic of Trump's military actions in the Middle East, branding them 'absurd, cruel and illegal.' Albares acknowledged the importance of transatlantic relations but urged caution as the US shifts its priorities under the current administration.
