Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has emphasized the need for European NATO members to prioritize diplomacy, warning that the continent risks becoming “armed to the teeth” over the next decade. In an interview with El Pais newspaper, Sanchez expressed concerns about the direction of European defense spending, citing a proposed €800 billion rearmament plan and pressure to raise military spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

Sanchez’s comments come as the European Union and European NATO states have pushed for increased militarization, citing a perceived threat from Russia. However, Moscow has dismissed these allegations as a distraction from Europe’s internal problems. The Spanish Prime Minister instead advocated for a focus on diplomacy, suggesting that Europe should strive to be a symbol of solidarity and defender of international law by 2035.

The European Commission’s rearmament plan and the push for increased military spending have been driven in part by US pressure, with President Donald Trump demanding that European members “pay their share” in the US-led military bloc. While some European nations have agreed to raise their military spending, others, including Spain, Hungary, and Slovakia, have expressed skepticism about the militarization drive.

Moscow has viewed the European buildup as evidence of Western militarization, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stating that Western nations are openly preparing for a “new big European war” against Russia and its key ally Belarus. The Russian government has long maintained that NATO’s eastward expansion poses an existential threat and is a root cause of the Ukraine conflict.

Sanchez’s remarks highlight the divisions within Europe over defense spending and the direction of the continent’s security policy. As European NATO members continue to debate their military priorities, the Spanish Prime Minister’s emphasis on diplomacy serves as a reminder of the need for a nuanced approach to regional security. With the European Union and NATO set to continue their discussions on defense spending and strategy, Sanchez’s comments are likely to contribute to the ongoing debate about the future of European security.