The chief of Spain’s diplomacy, José Manuel Albares, said in an interview with Euronews on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos that the EU should stand firmly behind its values, as some countries are threatening the use of force as foreign policy.
He called on Europe to take full control of its own security, arguing that the continent must move “towards a European army” at a moment of growing geopolitical pressure and uncertainty in transatlantic relations.
“If we want to continue being a peaceful continent (…), we need to have the deterrence in our hand, and we need firstly a coalition of the willing of European security, secondly, an integration of our industries of defense and in the end a European army.”
Albares acknowledged that past attempts at a common European defense force had failed but argued that today’s context is different.
He added that he believes Europe must complete its single market, strengthen tools against trade and economic coercion, and ensure European companies can compete globally.
EU weighs response to Trump-backed Peace Board
Albares addressed the launch of the US-led “Board for Peace,” promoted by President Trump as a new instrument for conflict resolution. The organization was initially focused on returning peace to Gaza, but its mandate has now moved beyond the Middle East.
Spain, he said, has not yet taken a final decision on whether to join. “The president will make the final decision.” He added that his country is coordinating closely with its EU partners to establish a “common position”.
For Madrid, he stressed, participation would depend on strict adherence to international law and the authority of the United Nations. “What is important for Spain is that this entity respects the work of the UN, the Security Council resolution from which it comes, and international law,” he said.
Several EU countries, including France and Italy, have already expressed reservations or refused to join the board. Albares said European concerns extend beyond Gaza and include potential legal and political implications if the initiative strays from its UN mandate.
US pressure on Greenland ‘must stop’
Albares also addressed US pressure on Denmark over Greenland, an issue that has resurfaced following Trump’s renewed interest in the strategic Arctic territory whose acquisition, he claims, would keep Russia and China at bay.
“The pressure on Denmark and on Greenland must stop,” the Spanish foreign minister said.
“Spain has been very clear from the very beginning. The future of Greenland belongs to the people of Greenland and to the Danish people.”
On Venezuela and Gaza
Following Trump’s intervention in Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power, the minister reiterated Spain’s support for a negotiated, internal solution. “What we want from Venezuela is a broad dialogue between the government and the opposition that will bring a peaceful and democratic solution from within Venezuelan society,” he said.
Asked whether Washington’s focus on Venezuela’s oil resources was a concern, Albares was firm: “The oil and natural resources of Venezuela belong to the Venezuelan people,” he said. “That is part of their sovereignty.”
Albares also reaffirmed Spain’s strong stance on Gaza and its long-standing support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“If we want peace, stability and security for everyone in the Middle East — including Israelis — we have to implement the two-state solution,” he said. “It is high time,” insisted. “Too much innocent blood has been shed for decades.