This position comes at the time of the delivery of the White Paper on Defence, which will be presented by the Commission on 19 March, and which will be held in Brussels at the end of June, just after the NATO summit, when the heads of state and government will have to formally adopt a new budget plan for military purposes at the European Council.

Government sources told Spanish news agency EFE that in terms of funding, without excluding other short-term options, the Spanish government is asking that the priority be for the next Multiannual Financial Framework to include the funds needed to finance security and other priorities under the future Competitiveness Fund planned by the Commission.

In addition, Spain proposes strengthening the European defence industrial base, putting an end to fragmentation and creating economies of scale, but ensuring that this is done for the benefit of all EU member states.

The Spanish government emphasises that this reinforcement of European industry must strengthen Europe's competitiveness and strategic autonomy through the creation of joint platforms and the promotion of innovation that also includes small and medium-sized enterprises.

The Spanish position is based on the premise that security is a European public good and that no EU partner can guarantee its security alone, which is why it is necessary to work together within the EU, NATO and in alliances with allied countries.

Ursula von der Leyen said that she will present “a comprehensive plan on how to increase our European arms and defence capabilities”, a White Paper on the sector, which is due to be presented this month.