Madrid – A recent autumn Eurobarometer survey reveals that 55% of Spaniards advocate for increased defense spending within the European Union, as concerns over the war in Ukraine and the broader international situation rank high among their worries. The findings were presented on Wednesday.
The survey shows that 19% of respondents are “totally in agreement” and 36% are “somewhat in agreement” with the need for greater defense investment in the EU, marking a total of 55% support—a figure that is nine points lower than the EU average of 64%.
Additionally, 76% of participants favor enhanced cooperation among member states on defense issues, which is close to the European average of 78%.
This growing interest in defense spending is reflected in Spaniards’ primary concerns within the European context. While 27% cite the war in Ukraine and the escalating international situation, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, as their top concern, immigration ranks slightly higher at 34%.
However, Spaniards do not prioritize defense spending as one of the most critical areas for EU budget allocation. They believe more attention should be directed toward employment, social services, and public health (62%); education, training, culture, and media (50%); and funding for scientific research and innovation (34%).
Security and defense is viewed as a lower priority, coming in eighth with only 14% support, significantly trailing the EU average of 35%, where it is considered the second most critical area after employment.
In a different finding, the Eurobarometer indicates that 84% of Spaniards believe EU member states should collaboratively purchase energy from other countries to secure better pricing, exceeding the European average of 79%.
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