Pedro Sánchez at the European Council calls for the defence of coherence and international law

Brussels (Belgium)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, today took part in the meeting of the European Council held in Brussels, in which the twenty-seven countries addressed various issues, such as the international scenario, marked by the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine, and competitiveness and migration, among others.

On these issues, Pedro Sánchez defended the coherent position of the Government of Spain, based on European values, and stressed that Spain is facing up to the challenges "with a bright future, leadership and courage".

The leaders discussed the complex international scenario, marked by the situation in the Middle East and Ukraine. In this regard, the president stressed that the Government of Spain has approached the debate with a very clear idea- the defence of coherence and international law everywhere.

On the difficult situation in the Middle East, the Heads of State and Government of the EU called for respect for international law. The language approved in the conclusions is in line with the clear and coherent position the president has defended since shortly after the conflict began, which is to act urgently, reiterating a call for an immediate and urgent ceasefire, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. They also stressed the need to focus on what is important and to move towards a political process that makes the two-state solution of Israel and Palestine a reality, living side by side in peace and security, to put an end to the conflict.

Group photo of the participants in the working session of the European Council | Pool Moncloa /Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Pedro Sánchez has defended Spain's position around three key lines. First, the president stressed that there will be no withdrawal of the UN peacekeeping mission, and defended the essential role and autonomy of UNIFIL. In this regard, he condemned the Israeli Prime Minister's statements on the matter. "We will not tolerate any questioning of the work of the UN," he said. He also sent a message of support to the Blue Helmets deployed in southern Lebanon.

Pedro Sánchez also reiterated the need to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement if human rights and international humanitarian law are violated in Gaza, the West Bank and Lebanon. Last, the president insisted on the urgency of all EU countries suspending arms shipments to Israel, as Spain has done since the beginning of the war.

The 27 also addressed the war in Ukraine and discussed ways forward on military and financial support. Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky has presented his plan for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine to EU leaders. In this regard, the president reiterated that "we will continue to support the Ukrainian people in the face of Russia's aggression, on all fronts and for as long as necessary".

Pedro Sánchez welcomed the mobilisation of a €35 billion loan for Ukraine, and stressed that the aid must come urgently.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, greets the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky | Pool Moncloa /Borja Puig de la Bellacasa

Migration was one of the central topics of discussion among EU leaders. In this regard, the President of the Government defended Spain's position on migration policy as being based on the necessary humanity to tackle the phenomenon. He also stressed that orderly, responsible and well-managed migration is the answer to the demographic challenge facing Europe. "Let us be clear: our competitiveness, present and future, depends on migration," he stressed.

Pedro Sánchez also stressed that "our credibility in the eyes of the rest of the world depends on how we deal with migration policy". In this context, he stressed that "what kind of Europe we want to be is at stake: an open and prosperous Europe, or a closed, less competitive and poorer Europe".

The President of the Government advocated tackling the migratory phenomenon with future generations in mind, "and not the next elections", referring to the Pact on Migration and Asylum as one of the valuable tools for tackling migratory flows from this perspective. In this regard, Pedro Sánchez explained that Spain has asked for the full, balanced and supportive application of the Pact on Migration and Asylum to be brought forward.

Last, another of the issues addressed by the EU-27 was competitiveness, one of the new priorities of the new European Commission.

Non official translation