"Spain is in favour of a deeper integration process and wants to see more Europe and a better Europe", said Alfonso Dastis

In his speech at the Conference of Ambassadors, Alfonso Dastis outlined Spain's view of foreign policy challenges, both at an EU level and at an international level.

After highlighting the achievements on economic issues made by Spain in recent years, the minister underlined the profound pro-European convictions of Spanish society and among the political parties in Spain, which thus makes our country a reliable and constructive partner in the European Union. The minister asserted that Spain is in favour of a deeper integration process and wants to see more Europe and a better Europe. To achieve that, it is necessary to strengthen the democratic legitimacy of the EU, continue to develop a genuine "European citizenship", make more progress on solidarity policies and economic coordination and step up the common security and defence policy.

In relation to the challenges deriving from 'Brexit', the minister took the opportunity to present Spain's view of the withdrawal process by the United Kingdom, in particular in relation to the consequences this will have for the colony of Gibraltar. Finally, Alfonso Dastis reviewed Spain's two-year tenure as a member of the UN Security Council.

Subsequently, the minister held a bilateral meeting with his Dutch counterpart, at which they were able to address various issues on the regional and international agenda, such as the upcoming elections in the Netherlands, the future of the EU, 'Brexit', migratory issues, transatlantic relations in light of the new North American Administration and the security crisis in the Middle East and the Mediterranean.