Pedro Sánchez calls on the "European patriotism" of the EU27 to thoroughly reform the workings of the energy market

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Sánchez stressed that "we are living through a defining moment for the European Union" and stressed the importance of all of us "reclaiming European patriotism" and the idea of a united democratic Europe in the face of the invasion of Ukraine, which will help to strengthen the ties of the EU27.

Sánchez met Plenković in Madrid hours before starting a tour to meet with several European partners to find solutions to the high price of energy, before the European Council on 24 and 25 March.

The president of the Government of Spain pointed out "the need to halt the escalation of energy prices, with the conviction that the next European Council must react clearly and definitively to protect our citizens and companies".

The Government of Spain defends the need to achieve the strategic autonomy of the European Union. For this reason, since September 2021, Sánchez has been leading this debate so that the EU27 modify the current energy price market, separating the price of gas from that of electricity; making joint purchases, diversifying supply and committing to renewable energies.

"We must incorporate the impact of war into our efforts for recovery and the green and digital transitions, and set the fiscal rules by which they must be addressed," stressed Pedro Sánchez.

This visit is also part of the interest in boosting bilateral relations between Spain and Croatia in the month that marks the 30th anniversary of the start of diplomatic relations between the two countries, and Spain's increased presence in the Western Balkans region.

Europe in the face of war in Ukraine: refugees and security

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaMeanwhile, the situation in Ukraine continues to worsen and there are already around three million refugees. Due to the extreme situation, Spain has immediately launched a large reception plan for Ukrainians fleeing the war, with three refugee centres, in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante. In addition, through the AECID, Spain is sending a new humanitarian aid package of 23 million euros, the largest humanitarian aid package ever sent to a country.

Both leaders agreed on their strong condemnation of the cruel war in Ukraine and in their support for the Ukrainian people. The head of the Executive has expressed his solidarity with the Croatian Prime Minister over the recent drone crash in Zagreb, which could have been a "real calamity" for Croatian society.

Spain and Croatia, both Mediterranean countries that collaborate within the EU and NATO, agree on the need to strengthen the common security and defence policy and promote the EU's Strategic Compass. Sanchez recalled: "We must be aware of our surroundings, of a southern neighbourhood that also looks with concern at developments and the impact they may have on their societies.

Bilateral and trade relations

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaDuring the meeting, the leaders noted the good trade relations between Spain and Croatia, which reached 675 million in 2021, and the great potential for economic cooperation represented by the respective National Recovery Plans. Spanish companies could contribute their experience in fields such as railways, water and sanitation, energy and defence.

Another of the lines of collaboration between Spain and Croatia is the promotion of Spanish in official education plans, through the Cervantes Institute, with the training of teachers. Our country could also contribute with its experience in the protection, conservation and restoration of artistic heritage, a heritage that was damaged in 2020 after an intense earthquake.

During the visit, the science ministers of the two countries signed a Joint Declaration by which Croatia joins a project to try to develop fusion energy: The 'International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility - Demo Oriented Neutron Source', to be located in Granada.

Both leaders stressed that they would continue to work to further strengthen the ties between the two countries. Croatia is currently working to complete its process of accession to the Schengen area and the euro, two areas in which it has Spain's support. Our country also supported Croatia's membership of MED-9, for which Andrej Plenković thanked Pedro Sánchez.

"We are determined that the EU should be that project of peace, coexistence and progress in which our brothers and sisters in the Western Balkans are reflected, and we will continue to accompany them in the reforms necessary to achieve their accession," the president of the Government of Spain stressed.

Non official translation