SPAIN'S DREAM IN THE EUROPEAN UNION

The recent European elections have potentially placed Spain in an excellent position to increase its weight and exert political influence in the European Union's institutions. However, there is a risk that the strong political polarization and enmity between the two main Spanish parties could thwart this possibility.

Both the Popular Party (PP, center-right), which won the elections in Spain, and the Socialist Party (PSOE, center-left), which came in second, could see their positions strengthened in Brussels once the next parliamentary cycle begins.

The PP has improved its results and is the second most important party in the European People's Party (EPP), which clearly dominates the European Parliament as the leading political force, far ahead of the socialists. This will give the PP and its leader, Alberto Nú?ez Feijóo, an extraordinary ability to promote their agenda within European institutions.

The PSOE, on the other hand, within a socialist group that is losing ground, is, along with Germany, the only party from one of the major economies of the eurozone that is leading the government. This has allowed the PSOE leader and Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, to be one of the negotiators for key positions in Brussels.

Thanks to this dual favorable circumstance for conservatives and socialists, Spain as a country is facing a unique opportunity to elevate its influence within the Union and thereby benefit Spanish companies and citizens.

However, the best way to make this possible is for the PP and PSOE to collaborate to achieve it, something that has not happened so far. The obligations of each party within the ideological group to which it belongs in the European Parliament do not prevent the parties of each country from trying to push for the most beneficial?initiatives to their compatriots, without prejudice to complying with the rules and common interests for all of Europe.

Therefore, no one would be surprised if, while respecting their obligations within the Union, the PP and PSOE coordinated some actions - such as the selection of key positions- in favor of Spain's interests. But, as we said, it is doubtful that this will happen because the disputes between these two parties go beyond Spanish borders and make any kind of negotiation almost impossible.

One can only hope that a reduction in political polarization will lead to a better understanding in Spain, allowing the main Spanish political parties to work together in favor of a Spanish agenda in Brussels. We are talking about a scenario that today seems almost like a miracle.

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