Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez called for an immediate EU army and the suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement at a Barcelona forum on April 10.
Spain Calls for EU Army and Israel Deal Suspension
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez urged the creation of a joint EU army “not in ten years, not in two years, but now, tomorrow” during the European Pulse Forum 2026 in Barcelona on April 10th. He also stressed the need to suspend the EU’s association agreement with Israel.
Spain has sharply criticized Tel Aviv since the war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, stating it will not allow a situation like Gaza to occur again in Lebanon. Sánchez criticized Israeli army actions in southern Lebanon, citing “flagrant violations of international humanitarian law.”
EU Should Build Military Capabilities Amid Transatlantic Crisis
EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius stated that the EU’s response to the crisis in transatlantic relations should be building its own military capabilities. He also acknowledged that “the USA influences how Europeans perceive NATO.”
Poll Shows Rising Concerns About US Role, Support for EU Defense
A European Pulse study conducted by Cluster17 for POLITICO and beBartlet, surveying 6,698 Europeans across six countries, found that 35% view the US as a close ally or partner. However, 60% consider the United States a “competitor or threat.”
The study also revealed high support for developing Europe’s own defense capabilities, with 86% in favor. 69% of respondents supported sending troops from their country to assist a NATO ally under attack. Kubilius stated the study showed “European confidence in themselves and their abilities.”
Demand for Stronger European Defense Capabilities
The Defense Commissioner stated that people want Europe to be “much stronger in defense” and to see “some kind of real military force.” He added that Europeans “understand that combining 27 [armies] cannot bring such value.”
Netanyahu Accuses Spain of ‘Diplomatic War’
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the Spanish government of waging a “diplomatic war” against his country on April 10th and ordered the exclusion of Spanish representatives from the Civil-Military Coordination Center (CMCC), which oversees the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
Netanyahu stated he would not tolerate “this hypocrisy or hostility” and would not allow any country to wage a diplomatic war against Israel without immediate consequences.
European Pulse Forum Brings Together Leaders
The European Pulse Forum, an initiative by Politico and the beBartlet center, gathered high-ranking politicians and business representatives. Speakers included Sánchez, European Commission Vice-Presidents Teresa Ribera and Stephane Sejourne, Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, and European Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius.
