Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has defended his country’s plan to increase his country’s military budget, which was opposed by his allies in the ruling bloc, in light of Russia’s military operation in Ukraine.
“The war in Ukraine has opened the eyes of European and Spanish society, and many have realized that our security cannot be guaranteed forever,” Sanchez said at the celebration of the 40th anniversary of Spain’s entry into NATO in Madrid. .
At the ceremony, which was attended by King Philip VI and NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the socialist leader added that his country’s defense capabilities should be strengthened. He pointed out that this can only be achieved by increasing investments in the field of defense.
According to the latest NATO figures, it is noteworthy that Spain is in the penultimate place ahead of Luxembourg among NATO countries in military spending. The percentage Sanchez promised to raise to 2 percent was at the alliance’s request.
Madrid is set to host a NATO summit next month, which Stoltenberg describes as “historic”.
Source: “AFP”
Source: Arabic RT
