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Spain Calls for EU Standing Army as US Threatens Sanctions

5/12/2026

Summary

Albares Calls EU Army

Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares called on the EU to create a standing army on 11 May 2026.
He warned that U.S. uncertainty could embolden Russia and other foes during the Iran crisis.
Albares cited President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany after disputes with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Spain denied U.S. aircraft access, prompting Washington to threaten a trade embargo and NATO suspension.

Summary

Albares Denies Exemption

Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said Spain will not grant an exemption for Venezuelan Vice-President Delcy Rodríguez to attend the Ibero-American Summit because of EU travel ban.
Rodríguez’s 11 May 2026 ICJ trip to The Hague used sanction-exemption regime, making entry into Spain require Interior Ministry to secure a waiver from EU Council legal services under Council Decision 2017/2074.
Summit organisers must perform due-diligence on sanctioned participants and arrange visas via VisaHQ.

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Albares Calls EU Army

Spain’s foreign minister José Manuel Albares called on the EU to create a standing army on 11 May 2026.
He warned that U.S. uncertainty could embolden Russia and other foes during the Iran crisis.
Albares cited President Donald Trump’s withdrawal of 5,000 troops from Germany after disputes with Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
Spain denied U.S. aircraft access, prompting Washington to threaten a trade embargo and NATO suspension.

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