Spaniards demand increased defense spending amid rising global tensions

In December 2023, a survey conducted as part of the autumn Eurobarometer revealed significant public sentiment in Spain regarding defense spending within the European Union. The war in Ukraine and escalating international tensions have spurred concerns among Spaniards, prompting many to advocate for heightened investment in defense measures. The survey indicated that 55% of Spaniards support increased spending on defense, with a majority expressing varying levels of agreement—19% 'totally' and 36% 'somewhat' in favor. Interestingly, this figure falls nine points short of the European average, which stands at 64%. Moreover, the sentiment regarding increased cooperation on defense matters was notably high, with 76% of respondents supporting joint efforts among EU member states, reflecting a close alignment with the European average of 78%. This concern for communal defense coordination underscores the pressure stemming from recent geopolitical conflicts, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine and rising tensions in the Middle East. However, despite these defense concerns, Spaniards prioritize other issues as more critical for EU budget allocation. Employment, social services, and public health garnered the highest attention, with 62% of respondents indicating these should be prioritized. Education and cultural initiatives followed closely at 50%, while funding for scientific research received backing from 34% of those surveyed. This perspective on budget allocation positions defense as the eighth concern for Spaniards, distinctly lower than the EU average where defense is seen as the second priority with 35%. In addition to their concerns about defense, Spaniards showed overwhelming support for collaborative energy purchasing within the EU, with a striking 84% favoring this approach. This statistic indicates a desire for stable and competitive energy prices as Europe grapples with energy dependency and market fluctuations. These survey results not only reflect public sentiment in Spain but also capture broader trends within the European Union regarding cooperation and budget priorities amidst ongoing global instability.