At the leaders' retreat in Brussels, the President of the Government of Spain defends a comprehensive vision of security and defence in Europe

Egmont Palace, Brussels (Belgium)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the rest of the leaders of the European Union during the first working session of the informal meeting (Pool Moncloa/BorjaPuig de la Bellacasa y Pool UE)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, today took part in the informal EU leaders' retreat, convened by the President of the European Council, António Costa, to address issues relating to European security and defence.

This was the first meeting of the EU-27 to focus exclusively on defence, and was attended by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Keir Starmer, and NATO Secretary General, Mark Rutte, with whom the leaders had a working lunch.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, talks with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen | Pool Moncloa/BorjaPuig de la Bellacasa y Pool UE

The President of the Government of Spain shared Spain's position with the other leaders, based on a comprehensive vision of European security, to tackle threats such as conflicts, terrorism, drug trafficking, cyber-attacks and disinformation. Spain considers that this 360º vision brings added value to the European Union and also ensures its strategic autonomy.

During this retreat, leaders addressed issues related to capabilities, financing and different forms of cooperation between Member States to secure demand, avoid duplication and ensure efficiency. Spain argues that investment in security must go hand in hand with the strengthening of European industry and the search for ways to reduce our dependence.

The President of the Government of Spain stressed that the debate on capabilities should take into account that increased defence spending should contribute to reinforcing competitiveness, strengthening EU cohesion, developing technological excellence and creating jobs. For Spain, defence spending must be integrated into the transformation of our economies, with the added objective of achieving a green and digital transition.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, talks with the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas | Pool Moncloa/BorjaPuig de la Bellacasa y Pool UE

The President of the Government of Spain also reiterated Europe's unity on Ukraine, and told the other leaders that Ukraine must be at the centre of any decision taken on its future. He also stressed that no decision on security in Europe should be taken without the European Union.

Pedro Sánchez referred to the need to address the importance of stability on the Southern Neighbourhood, including the Middle East and the Sahel. In this regard, he stressed the importance of attending to other geographical areas in crisis, in order to prevent spaces that are not occupied from being taken over by other actors.

Relations with the United States and the United Kingdom were also discussed during the informal summit. In this respect, the President of the Government of Spain stressed that the United States continues to be Europe's most important ally, and that from the coherence that guides the Spanish Government's foreign policy, the Executive will work to continue strengthening the transatlantic relationship on the basis of European unity.

Non official translation