Spain is urging the European Union to create a joint army, citing the Greenland dispute as a security concern. Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said a collective military effort would be more efficient than 27 national armies. The proposal comes ahead of an emergency EU meeting on Trump’s Greenland threats.
Albares said Europe should first integrate its defence industry and unite tangible assets. Then a coalition of willing nations could mobilize quickly. He acknowledged concerns over whether Europeans would support a military assembly but stressed the bloc’s combined strength is greater than individual countries.
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The minister emphasized that the joint army would not replace NATO. Instead, it would reinforce Europe’s ability to resist economic or military coercion. Albares stressed that the proposal aims to protect European sovereignty while maintaining strong transatlantic ties.
The plan recalls efforts from the 1950s to create a supranational European military. At that time, France rejected a joint army proposal designed to counter Soviet influence and prevent German remilitarization. Albares said completing this initiative is “up to my generation.”
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Officials noted the proposal comes as Trump temporarily stepped back from Greenland claims after discussions with NATO partners. Spain welcomed dialogue within NATO and stressed that a European defence initiative complements, rather than conflicts with, the alliance.