Mariano Rajoy argues that, with political stability, Spain can recover its GDP and create 2 million new jobs by 2020

Brussels (Belgium)

In this regard, he described the decision by the Basque Nationalist Party not to present a global amendment to the draft 2017 General State Budget as "of great political value". However, he pointed out that "nothing is firmed up as yet and negotiations remain ongoing". "We have 137 MPs, we have reached an understanding with some political forces, but this is not enough and we will continue working on this", he explained. "It is not a question of changing political ideals but of seeing what we can all contribute to the general interest".

Mariano Rajoy made these statements in Brussels, at his appearance at the press briefing following Saturday's European Council at which he took part. This extraordinary European Council is the first formally-convened meeting without the participation of the United Kingdom. In light of the activation, by the United Kingdom, of the procedure to withdraw from the European Union, the President of the Government argued that the priority and "key goal" of Member States must be to safeguard the rights and interests of citizens and companies and do so while maintaining the unity of the 27".

Unanimous approach following Brexit

Mariano Rajoy explained that unanimous approval was given at the meeting, of the European Council's guidelines on the negotiations on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom. These are lines of action that reflect the consensus of the 27 and of the EU institutions, and they have been drawn up so that the withdrawal can offer "stability and certainty" and to reach "the best possible agreement" with the United Kingdom.

The President of the Government welcomed these guidelines, since they coincide with the approach advocated by Spain, and recalled that they refer to the agreement to withdraw and not the agreement on future relations, as pointed out by the EU's Chief Negotiator, Michel Barnier. Mariano Rajoy reiterated our country's "full support for and confidence" in Michel Barnier.

Looking to the future, the 27 Member States are committed "to unity and greater integration", to the fight against terrorism, immigration, economic growth and job creation as priorities.

Mariano Rajoy reiterated that "Brexit is a bad decision" but that, now that the decision has been adopted by the United Kingdom, it is necessary to work to reach the "best possible agreement" with the British Government, which will continue to be a "key partner" for Spain and for the European Union.

European Medicines Agency

As regards the future of the European agencies following Brexit, the President of the Government confirmed that he will present Barcelona's candidature to host the European Medicines Agency, a decision that will be adopted in the autumn, following approval of the procedure in June. This is not easy, there are 27 of us, but we will do our utmost to attract this agency", he remarked. Despite the difficulties, Mariano Rajoy considers that "Barcelona's candidature is one of the strongest" and that we have "good arguments", among which he highlighted its infrastructures, its strong position in the field of biomedical research and its pharmaceutical industry. In his opinion, "if those who worked there could vote, Barcelona would be chosen".

When asked about the effects of the situation created by the pro-independence parties on this decision, the President of the Government responded that "institutional stability is one factor in its favour". As regards the approach of the secessionists, Mariano Rajoy considered that we live "in a world where there are ever more integration processes", and yet, "there are some people who still wish to swim against the tide".

Gibraltar

As regards the content of the guidelines approved on Saturday relating to Gibraltar, Mariano Rajoy remarked that these are contained in Articles 4 and 24, "they seem fine to us" and that they were not subject to debate at Saturday's meeting. According to the President of the Government, what they state is "obvious" and that any agreement on Gibraltar will require a previous agreement between the United Kingdom and Spain.