The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, participated today in the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union and defended the need for Europe to act united, with a strong and sovereign voice, to face international challenges in a world where everything is connected. The EU-27 also discussed developments in Ukraine, Gaza and the Great Lakes region.
"Today, more than ever, we must affirm our defence of the most basic values, which are clearly reflected in the international sphere, in international law, the principles of the United Nations Charter and, above all, the rejection of the use of force or the threat of force as an instrument of foreign policy," said the minister, referring to the meeting prior to the Council, in which the EU-27 engaged in strategic reflection on the European Union's position.
Everything is connected
This reflection, he explained, is more timely than ever at a crucial moment when the European Union must definitively transform its economic power into political power, because in today's world everything is connected, from what is happening in Venezuela to Greenland, Ukraine, Gaza or Iran. ‘Europe must sit at the table of the great powers not as just another aggressive power, not as a power that uses its strength to coerce others, but precisely to establish a world with greater moderation and balance,’ he concluded.
Support for Ukraine
Ukrainian Minister Andrii Sybiha participated remotely in the Council to provide an update on the situation on the ground in the context of increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities, which are causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis after almost five years of war. In this regard, and with no hope of peace or a ceasefire in the short term, Spain has reiterated its support for as long as necessary, especially emergency aid to alleviate the damage to the energy system.
‘We are purchasing chargers worth €1 million from the Spanish cooperation agency, and we are currently implementing energy aid for Ukraine. This is a programme that will provide electricity and heating to 28,000 Ukrainians,’ explained the minister.
Middle East and Africa
Another key issue discussed by the Council was Gaza and phase two of the peace plan, which is just getting underway and still needs to consolidate the fragile ceasefire in order to achieve lasting peace. Spain insisted on the need to open all land crossings so that emergency aid can be delivered on a large scale. It also insisted that the Palestinian National Authority be included in any decision taken on any peace plan.
On the new sanctions imposed on Iran for its brutal repression during the protests, Spain has joined the majority position. "We condemn the Iranian regime's senseless repression of its own citizens. Of course, arbitrary arrests must cease, and any executions would be a real red line for Spain and for Europe," Albares said.
The last item on the agenda was the situation in the Great Lakes region, where the political and military situation remains complex, with continuous attacks. Spain is very present with its humanitarian aid, doing everything possible to promote dialogue that will advance peace throughout the region.
Other meetings
At the end of the ministers' meeting, Albares also participated in the European Union-Morocco Association Council, Morocco being a partner and friend of Spain, the second largest customer outside the European Union with whom we also cooperate in the fight against human trafficking mafias.
This cooperation, explained the minister, ‘in Spain's case, means that we have the lowest numbers of irregular migrants entering the country of any route in the European Union. It is a country with which we have much to share, much to discuss and a joint effort that Spain knows first-hand and which is very successful’.
On the sidelines of the Council, the minister held bilateral meetings with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, and with the Emirati Deputy Minister Lana Zaki Nusseibeh.
For images of the event, click
here.