We are grateful to the European Commission for its valuable contribution to the future of the European Union. These are crucial times in which we must be united in the defence of integration.
The White Paper on the future of Europe sets out the different scenarios we are facing. Spain is and will be in favour of greater and better integration. We can only tackle the global challenges and effectively defend our values and our interest on a united front.
The consequences of the very serious economic crisis we have suffered have caused a clear decline in the public opinion of our integration project. As the documents states, this disillusion is one of the main challenges we must address, since it creates a dangerous vacuum that is filled by populism and nationalism, which threaten the very existence of the EU. We must manage to recover the confidence of our citizens and build a new consensus, which can only be achieved with a better Europe that is more effective and focused on the problems of its citizens.
Spain is very actively participating in the efforts to achieve them among us all and will advocate the following ideas in this process:
- It is fundamental that we send out a message of unity, of our firm commitment to the European project and our determination to tackle the main challenges. We must reaffirm the main founding values of the European Union: democracy, political pluralism, public liberties, respect for the rule and community of law, and the Welfare State.
- We must feel proud of what we have achieved and of who we are: we have achieved the longest period of peace and prosperity in the history of our continent; we are the region of the world with the most democracy and greatest respect for human rights and the rule of law; we have the most generous Welfare State that provides public systems of social protection, education, healthcare and pensions that are unimaginable in other parts of the world. We are the leading trading power and the largest market in the world. We are a great regulatory power. We are also a great cultural and tourism powerhouse.
- However, now that we are coming out of the crisis, we must focus on the main concerns of our citizens and effectively use those European instruments available. The priorities identified in Bratislava are the right ones. Growth and job creation must guide our actions because they are the best ways to ensure the sustainability of and improvements to the Welfare State, the fundamental pillar and hallmark of Europe. We must combine our efforts, offer more and better opportunities to our young people, grow, become more competitive and ensure a stronger and more stable Economic and Monetary Union. We must work together to better protect our citizens from terrorism, protect our borders and have a decisive voice and influence on the international stage, including a European Defence Policy formed by those States that are prepared to do this by using the mechanisms set out in the treaties.
- A European Union that works for and on behalf its citizens and that protects them from both internal and external threats. An EU that is synonymous with economic and social cohesion, prosperity and well-being. And an EU that defends its values and its interests.
Comisión Europea