Spanish defence policy: Eurocorps and NATO reform

Abstract

Spain's eagerness to play a major role in Europe's new security architecture has not been marked by complete success. Problems in transforming a large and backward military establishment have been exacerbated by a declining budget and long‐term dependence upon imported technology. On the diplomatic front this has been shown by only limited success in extending military protection to Spanish interests in the Mediterranean and only a partial fulfilment of national ambitions at the NATO summit in Madrid in July 1997. However, some satisfaction has been derived from Spanish attempts to achieve a stronger regional emphasis within European security institutions.