It seems that the fine rain of declarations of international leaders by announcing that a Russian invasion is not science fiction has not penetrated among the Spaniards because only 20% are concerned about security and defense issues while, on average, 36% of our neighbors in the EU think that this is the main issue on which its leaders should focus.
Is Spain different?
It is not about reinforcing, without more, the old adage a thousand times repeated of the ‘Spain is different’, because all European countries have differences. But ours, at this time, at the end of March 2025, and in this matter, they are evident because, in fact, We are the Europeans who least care these security issues.
It is demonstrated by another detail of the Eurobarometer. When he wonders for another issue that in principle has nothing to do with security and defense, if belonging to the EU has benefited his country, a majority of Spaniards (76%) and Europeans (74%) respond that if but for different reasons. While the European average values that the European construction project has contributed above all to protect peace and security, the Spaniards stress mainly that it is because it has brought new job opportunities and economic growth to Spain.
More education
If we continue to compare what the Spaniards and other Europeans most worry we also find that 40% of our compatriots education and research place in the first positionsomething that only 23% of the European average. And another difference, 40% of Spaniards ask for more support for public health, but only 25% of Europeans do.
The Spaniards are also located above the community average in asking to act against social exclusion, poverty, or that they work in job creation. But nevertheless they are below their partners when claiming that there are more actions in relation to the immigration crisis or the fight against terrorism.
This in terms of differences. But there are also things, and many, in which we look like.
Similarities
Spanish and Europeans agree to place competitiveness, economy and industry As the second European priority, and both also place agriculture and food security at the top of the list.
The Eurobarometer reveals a similar trend between us and “them” when they consider that the priority should be to reduce inflation and address the increase in the cost of life.
In general, we all believe that in recent years the role of the EU has become more important to protect its citizens from global crises that lurk us lately incessantly, and believe that it will continue to be so in the coming years. That is why there is some consensus between Spaniards and Europeans in which, to deal with these global challenges, the European Union should be more united, and very important: more resources will be needed to do so.
More budget
The fact that Europeans think that each time the EU needs more resources to deal with the challenges of today European that works as direct aid in defense. Right now The European Commission is already working on a proposal that would present in July and in which surely goes far beyond the rickety 1% of the GDP of the union that normally weigh this type of budget.
So in this of obtaining European financing, this Eurobarometer can be used by the Spanish government in the negotiation right now to find the 800,000 million euros that are in search of capture to shape the future European defense.
For which the Spaniards, Eurobaometer Dixit, we are not so apparently concerned in any case.
