Spain takes over the helm of the EU council - what to expect in the next 6 months.
Billy Aldea-Martinez
Global Director @ Piano, AI Enterprise SaaS, & Record Label Exec.
The upcoming general elections in Spain hold significant importance as it coincides with the country's assumption of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has ambitious goals for Spain's foreign policy, including leading in eco-friendly industries, strengthening ties with Latin America
As Spain gears up for its general elections this month, the outcome of the election holds significant implications for the country's international standing. Spain, a member of the European Union (EU) since 1986, will also assume the rotating presidency of the Council of the EU for the fifth time starting July 1, 2023. This dual role presents both challenges and opportunities for Spain's foreign policy agenda.
The Council of the European Union, commonly known as the Council, is one of the EU's seven institutions and plays a crucial role in shaping EU legislation. Spain's presidency of the Council allows it to set the EU's agenda and political priorities for the next six months, before passing the baton to Hungary in January 2024.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez commenced the EU Council presidency with a visit to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, demonstrating Spain's commitment to supporting Ukraine amidst the Russian invasion. Sánchez announced additional aid of €55 million from Spain to help in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts.
During EU council's presidency, Sánchez aims to position the country as a leader in fostering cooperation among EU members
Spain has identified four key priorities for its Council presidency:
These goals align with broader consensus across political parties in Spain, particularly in areas such as security, defence, and the Mediterranean region. Furthermore, there is a shared recognition of the importance of strengthening Spain's ties with Latin America and the need for the United Nations to unite EU nations around common interests.
However, Spain's upcoming general elections, scheduled for July 23, introduce an element of uncertainty to the country's foreign policy outlook. The Popular Party (PP) emerged victorious in the recent regional and local elections, but the snap general election announcement prevented them from capitalizing on their gains. This unexpected election call had a negative impact on Spain's stock market.
The outcome of the election will shape Spain's foreign policy over the next four years and determine its positioning on the global stage. The new government will face various challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU, potential destabilization in the Maghreb region, economic concerns, and geopolitical tensions arising from the Russian invasion. Additionally, there is a need to seek international support in achieving energy and climate objectives
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been actively engaged in foreign policy, attending international events and summits, including meetings with world leaders like Joe Biden and Xi Jinping. He has been instrumental in Spain's ambitious Projects for Economic Transformation and Recovery (PERTEs), including initiatives like The New Language Economy, which aims to reinforce Spain's position in the digital transformation process
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The opposition party, the PP, advocates for closer commercial cooperation within the EU and seeks to strengthen transatlantic ties through maintaining a strong relationship with the United States. However, concerns exist that the PP's proposed policies, such as stricter immigration laws and potential changes to PERTEs, may isolate Spain within the EU.
The 2023 general elections mark a crucial juncture for Spain's foreign policy trajectory. The new government will navigate a complex political landscape characterized by international tensions, regional challenges, and economic uncertainties. With the potential to shape Spain's position within the EU and on the global stage, the election outcome will determine the country's foreign policy direction for the next four years.
Billy Aldea-Martinez
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