Is it the physical barrier of the Pyrénées or their history that explains the distance with which Spaniards apprehend the threat of war in Europe? According to the latest Eurobarometer, published on Tuesday, March 25, they are the Europeans least concerned about strengthening the continent’s security and defense. When asked what the priorities of the European Union (EU) should be, Spaniards put education and research at the top of the list. Only 20% rate defense as a priority, the lowest level with Malta.
“There’s a lack of global threat perception in Spain, which can be explained by the fact that the country didn’t take part in the world wars. Added to this is a deep-rooted anti-militarism, inherited from opposition to Franco’s military dictatorship,” said Jesus A. Nunez Villaverde, co-director of the Institute of Studies on Conflicts and Humanitarian Action. “What’s more, due to a public opinion allergic to military issues, the governments of democratic Spain, regardless of political affiliation, never did any educational work to explain the dangers of the world we live in, and the army’s role as a deterrent and last resort.”
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