Diverging Views on European Defense: Portugal and Spain's Stance on a Joint Army

Portugal has firmly rejected the idea of establishing a standalone European army, emphasizing its commitment to NATO and the United States as a "fundamental transatlantic partner." Defence Minister Nuno Melo articulated this stance during a parliamentary committee meeting, stating, "We're not in favour of a single European army." He underscored the necessity for Portugal to enhance its military capabilities to fulfill NATO obligations. In contrast, Spain has advocated for the European Union to pursue the creation of a joint army, motivated by concerns regarding U.S. President Donald Trump's commitment to European security.

The Independent

Portugal's defense spending has increased significantly, reaching 6.12 billion euros (approximately $7.22 billion) or 2% of its GDP in 2025, ahead of its original schedule. This increase aligns with NATO's defense spending guidelines. In 2024, Portugal's expenditure was around 4.5 billion euros, or 1.58% of GDP. Meanwhile, Spain also achieved its defense spending target of 2% of GDP in the previous year, allocating 33.5 billion euros—a 44.5% increase from 2024. Portugal has applied for 5.8 billion euros in low-cost EU loans to bolster its armed forces, with plans to acquire new equipment, including frigates, armored vehicles, satellites, and drones, under the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, a 150 billion euro EU program aimed at enhancing defense capabilities.

The Independent

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has dismissed the calls for a European army, arguing that it would impose a significant financial burden on member states, exceeding the agreed 5% of GDP that NATO countries, excluding Spain, have committed to spend on defense by 2035. Rutte's comments reflect a broader skepticism within NATO regarding the feasibility and necessity of a separate European military force.

The Independent

Amid these discussions, President Donald Trump has been contemplating the withdrawal of some U.S. troops from Europe, expressing dissatisfaction with NATO allies' contributions to regional security, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz. This internal deliberation follows Trump's previous frustrations over NATO members' commitments and his failed attempts to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Rutte noted that NATO allies have begun to provide more substantial support regarding basing and logistics, indicating a shift in response to U.S. concerns.

The Independent

Critics of the European army initiative argue that the focus should remain on strengthening NATO rather than creating a separate military entity. They contend that a European army could lead to unnecessary duplication of efforts and resources, potentially undermining the existing transatlantic alliance.

The Independent

• "We're not in favour of a single European army." — Nuno Melo, Defence Minister of Portugal

The Independent

• "Allies were initially 'a bit slow' to provide assistance but were now offering substantial support." — Mark Rutte, NATO Secretary-General

The Independent

This ongoing debate between Portugal and Spain highlights the complexities of European defense policy and the varying perspectives on military integration within the EU.

The Independent