Spain will assume the presidency of the Council of the European Union beginning 1st of July. Spanish president Pedro Sánchez addressed the press on June 15th to explain the priorities for the upcoming 6 months, which are as follows:
- Re-industrialisation and strategic autonomy: Spain aims to promote the re-industrialisation of the European Union, strengthening its industrial capacity in key areas such as energy, health, digital technology, and food. The objective is to reduce dependence on third countries in strategic sectors and ensure strategic autonomy for the EU. This involves promoting policies and measures that foster the development of strategic industries in Europe, as well as diversifying trade relations, with a priority on Latin America as an economic and commercial partner.
- Ecological transition and environmental adaptation: The Spanish Presidency prioritizes the fight against climate change and the promotion of environmental sustainability. It seeks to halt environmental degradation and reduce dependence on non-renewable energy and raw materials. This entails promoting policies and actions to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy, implementing renewable energies, improving energy efficiency, and protecting the environment. Additionally, it aims to create sustainable jobs and promote the circular economy.
- Consolidation of the Social Pillar: The Spanish Presidency is committed to strengthening the EU's Social Pillar, seeking greater social and economic justice. It aims to establish minimum and common standards for corporate taxation across all member states, in order to combat tax evasion by large multinational corporations and ensure a more equitable distribution of the tax burden. It also proposes reforming the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 to achieve greater financial transparency and adequate financing of the green and digital transitions. Furthermore, it will promote the consolidation of the European Pillar of Social Rights and seek to improve the protection of vulnerable groups.
- Reinforcement of European unity: In a context of growing uncertainty and geopolitical tensions, the Spanish Presidency will seek to strengthen European unity. It will focus on deepening the internal market, completing the banking union and capital markets union, with the aim of creating a more integrated and robust framework for the European economy. Additionally, efforts will be made to achieve more effective and coordinated management of migration and asylum processes, in order to jointly address migration challenges. Support will also be provided to Ukraine and other neighboring states, in line with the EU's neighborhood policy.
The upcoming presidency will be the fifth one for Spain. This represents a new opportunity to promote, together with our European partners, the ambitious EU agenda and goals.?
