Pedro Sánchez: "Europe must remain coherent, united and firm in its defence of a rules-based international order"

Brussels (Belgium)

Appearance of the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, after the meeting of the European Council (Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo)

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, today took part in the meeting of the European Council, the first under the presidency of the new president, António Costa, which marks the start of the EU's new institutional cycle.

"Europe must remain coherent, united and firm in its defence of a rules-based international order, at a time of great turbulence throughout the world", the President of the Government stressed in his press conference following the European Council.

The first European Council was marked by the presence of Ukraine's President Volodimir Zelenski, a sign of the EU's commitment and support for Ukraine, in a context marked by uncertainty and the risk of escalation after more than 1,000 days of conflict.

In this respect, Pedro Sánchez recalled that the support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression is an example "that should make us realise what we are capable of when we act together". He pointed to the 125 billion euros of aid adopted to date.

The European Council reaffirmed this commitment, concluding that continued support for Ukraine is indispensable. "Europe is the most successful peace project in history, and we must ensure that it remains so," the President of the Government stressed.

The President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, talk during the European Council | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo y Pool UE

With regard to the role of the European Union in an increasingly complex world, the head of the Executive referred to alliances, unity and resources as the three fundamental axes of action. Sánchez stressed that "we must deepen our collaboration with those who allow you to defend our values and interests". In this context, he highlighted the recent trade agreement with Mercosur as an example of the strategic alliances that the EU should build.

With regard to unity and coherence in the defence of European values, the President stressed Spain's approach to the defence of international legality and human rights.

In relation to the third area of emphasis, the media, Pedro Sánchez stressed the need to gain muscle as a continent and as a European project. To this end, the President of the Government of Spain stressed that it will be essential to increase investment in public goods such as security and the digital and green transitions.

He also referred to the challenges facing the European Union, "which place us in the dilemma of either leading the solution or lagging behind". In this regard, he highlighted issues such as the situation in the Middle East, the new phase in Syria, immigration and the climate emergency and human security.

On the situation in the Middle East, the President of the Government insisted on the implementation of the two-state solution, as required by international law. He stressed that the European Union must work to make the International Peace Conference, sponsored by the United Nations, Spain, Norway and other European and Arab countries, a success. "We want to play a leading role in this," he stressed.

The 27 addressed the new phase in Syria, full of challenges and uncertainties, but at the same time full of opportunities. The European Union, according to the President of the Government of Spain, must play a decisive role in reconstruction and peace-building in order to achieve a stable Syria.

Immigration, a challenge that must be tackled jointly, was another of the aspects discussed at the meeting. President Sánchez reiterated the government's position, which calls for the rapid and balanced implementation of the Pact on Migration and Asylum, as well as particular attention to the Sahel and West Africa.

Working session of the European Council | Pool Moncloa/Fernando Calvo y Pool UE

Pedro Sánchez has argued that the reinforcement of external borders and return processes must be accompanied by solidarity measures in internal distribution and financial contributions to third countries. "Always with full respect for international law and human dignity," he stressed.

The leaders discussed the major challenge of the climate emergency and human security, debating on how to prepare for, prevent and respond to crises based on former Finnish President Niinisto's report. In this respect, Pedro Sánchez referred to the disaster in Valencia and reiterated the Spanish government's commitment to continue restoring normality in the Valencia region.

He also called for the adoption of a European Climate Adaptation Plan, while welcoming the adoption of the Restore regulation, promoted by the Spanish government, which makes the receipt of cohesion funds more flexible.

European Union - Western Balkans Summit

The President of the Government of Spain made mention of the Summit between the European Union and the six Western Balkans countries, held yesterday in Brussels, which addressed the accession of these countries to the EU. For Pedro Sánchez, who referred to the evolution of our country since its accession in order to understand the enormous transformative power of the European Union: "This is a historic opportunity."

In this regard, he stressed that investing in the Western Balkans is investing in our future, and mentioned the 6 billion euro growth plan, which will offer the candidates clear incentives, and enable their citizens to feel part of the project.

"Let's be clear: to broaden ourselves is to complete ourselves. It is to invest in European security, peace and prosperity," he argued, while stressing that enlargement must also be approached from a geopolitical perspective to combat those who seek to divert allies in the region from our common path with hybrid attacks and waves of disinformation.

Non official translation