Pedro Sánchez stresses that EU closes off year with some major collective achievements in fight against pandemic and future of EU

Brussels (Belgium)

Pedro Sánchez stated that this Council "has shown that, in the end, as always happens in the European Union, it is possible to reach EU-27 solutions that benefit everyone".

The President of the Government underlined that "we have some great news again, which is the implementation of the financial package". Pedro Sánchez stated that "Spain has always advocated the need to swiftly bring the historic agreement reached in July to fruition, which is crucial for the recovery of our economies", and highlighted the great work of the German Rotating Presidency of the Council of the EU to this end.

The Council also addressed the fight against climate change. The EU-27 agreed to update the targets for 2030, increasing the reduction in emissions from 40% to 55%, as a preliminary step to achieving climate neutrality by 2050. Pedro Sánchez stressed the importance of this initiative. "The agreement is a genuine milestone". The President of the Government highlighted that, by reaching this agreement, Europe's leadership in the global fight against climate change is reinforced and a clear message is sent out to our citizens and to companies on the commitment of the EU-27 to the green agenda.

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo y Pool Consejo EuropeoSpain is one of the most ambitious countries in this matter, given that in October, it had already committed, together with 10 other Member States, to achieving this target, which is in line with the Declaration in Response to the Climate and Environmental Emergency, approved by the Council of Ministers back in January. "We know that climate ambition opens up new job and growth opportunities in our country and, above all, prevents huge costs due to inaction", he remarked.

The vaccination strategy against COVID-19 was another of the matters addressed by European leaders. Pedro Sánchez underlined that coordination in the distribution and in the calendar for vaccinations is key for tackling the pandemic. "We have seen the swift arrival of the vaccines with satisfaction, and recognise the important work undertaken by the European Commission to ensure that all EU citizens are guaranteed a dose of the vaccine", specified Pedro Sánchez.

During the Euro Summit, the Member States backed the agreement reached by the Eurogroup on the reform of the European Stability Mechanism. The President of the Government highlighted one of the measures, backed by Spain, which is the backstop of the Single Resolution Fund - a decisive step in culminating the Banking Union and in guaranteeing financial stability.

As regards foreign policy, the EU-27 debated the way to relaunch strategic relations with the Southern Neighbourhood. This interest was made clear by Spain and Italy at their recent Bilateral Summit in November, through the signing of a "non-paper" on the matter, which was forwarded to European leaders. During the meetings, Trans-Atlantic relations were addressed following the election of Joe Biden as President of the United States. In this regard, Pedro Sánchez specified that the EU has "a clear interest in cooperating to tackle global challenges, such as combating the pandemic, fighting climate change, speeding up the economic recovery and promoting multilateralism".

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo y Pool Consejo EuropeoThe Member States also expressed their concern over certain actions by Turkey which have affected some European partners. "Spain has always supported the need to maintain constructive dialogue, but we must maintain a firm attitude in defence of international law and of the sovereignty of EU Member States", remarked the President of the Government.

The European Council addressed the Brexit negotiations, given that the Transition Period ends on 31 December 2020. The Government of Spain backs the work of the team headed up by Michel Barnier and is committed to continuing negotiations until the deadline is reached.

As regards security issues in the wake of the terrorist attacks in recent weeks, the Member States expressed their support and agreed to step up efforts to make progress and enhance judicial and police cooperation.

Non official translation