José Manuel Albares defends a strong, sovereign voice for Europe in Brussels at a crucial moment

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, at the Council of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the European Union

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, participated in the European Union Foreign Affairs Council and defended the need for Europe to act together, with a strong and sovereign voice, to face international challenges in a world where everything is interconnected. The EU-27 also discussed the evolving situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and the Great Lakes Region.

"Today more than ever, we must affirm the defence of the most basic values, which are clearly reflected in the international sphere, in international law, the principles of the UN Charter, and above all, the rejection of the use of force or the threat of force as an instrument of foreign policy", the minister asserted, referring to the meeting prior to the Council, in which the 27 member states 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 happens in Venezuela to Greenland, Ukraine, Gaza, or Iran. "Europe must sit at the table with the great powers not as just another aggressive power, not as a power that uses its force to coerce others, but precisely to establish a world with greater moderation and greater 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 amidst escalating Russian attacks against Ukrainian energy facilities, which are causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis after nearly five years of war. In this context, and with no hope of peace or a ceasefire in the short term, Spain reiterated its commitment to providing assistance for as long as necessary, particularly emergency aid to mitigate the damage to the energy system.

"Through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), we are acquiring chargers worth €1 million, and we are currently launching energy aid for Ukraine. This comprehensive programme will provide electricity and heating to 28,000 Ukrainians", the minister explained.

Middle East and Africa

Another key point of the Council meeting was Gaza, and the second phase of the peace plan, which is just getting underway and still needs to consolidate the fragile ceasefire into a lasting peace. Spain insisted on the need to open all land crossings to allow for the massive entry of emergency aid. And also on the inclusion of the Palestinian National Authority in any decision made regarding any peace plan.

Regarding the new sanctions imposed on Iran for the brutal repression during the protests, Spain joined the majority position. "We condemn the Iranian regime's senseless repression of its own citizens. Of course, arbitrary arrests have to stop and any execution would be a real red line for Spain and for Europe", Albares said.

The final item on the agenda was the situation in the Great Lakes Region, where the political and military situation remains complex, with ongoing attacks. Spain is very present with its humanitarian aid, doing everything possible to foster dialogue that will advance peace throughout the region.

Other meetings

Following the meeting of ministers, Albares also participated in the European Union-Morocco Association Council. Morocco is a partner and friend of Spain, and its second largest non-EU client with which it cooperates, particularly in the fight against human trafficking networks.

This cooperation, the minister explained, "in the Spanish case, allows us to have the lowest number of irregular migrants entering the country on all European Union routes. A country with which we have much to share, much to discuss and a joint work that Spain knows first-hand and which is very successful".

Aside from the Council meeting, the minister held bilateral meetings with his French counterpart, Jean-Noël Barrot, and with the Emirati Deputy Prime Minister, Lana Zaki Nusseibeh.

Non official translation