Public spending on defence, public order and safety in Spain and the European Union

Abstract

Rationale The aim of this article is to provide an overview of public spending on security (which includes defence and public order and safety), in the European Union (EU) and in Spain and to discuss proposals on the joint and coordinated provision and funding of this European public good. Takeaways •The current environment of global geopolitical tension is behind the strengthening of the EU’s security policy, encouraging greater strategic autonomy. Meeting demands for greater security spending places further strain on public finances at a time when government deficit and debt levels are high. •The level of public security expenditure in the EU and Spain, which stood at 3% of GDP in 2022 in both cases, is lower than spending by other global powers. Relatively more of that amount in the EU and Spain goes to staff costs, with less going to research and development (R&D). •Redirecting spending towards R&D could generate economic efficiency gains. Moreover, given that security is considered to be a European public good, joint, coordinated provision and funding could yield additional benefits.