Pedro Sánchez advocates for digital governance in Armenia to guarantee democratic quality and social cohesion

The President spoke at the round table on "Democratic Resilience and Hybrid Threats", where he referred to the widespread decline in democratic quality shown by international indices.

In this regard, he expressed his concern about the vulnerabilities exploited by those who control digital infrastructure and social media. He pointed to scientific evidence from studies such as the one conducted by UNICEF and the University of Santiago de Compostela, which show the worrying harm caused by premature access to technology among minors.

President Sánchez called for priority action in three areas: implementing the European Democracy Shield and providing resources to the European Centre for Democratic Resilience, establishing a European-level digital age of majority and reviewing the obligations of platforms under the Digital Services Directive, and calling for coordinated action by countries committed to protecting and strengthening democracy.

Highlighting the initiative launched by the Government of Spain, "In Defence of Democracy", held last April in Barcelona, he encouraged other countries to join the Round table on Digital Democracy and to support the newly created UN Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.

Bilateral meeting between the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, and the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney | Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la Bellacasa y Pool Organización

During the day, President Sánchez held a bilateral meeting with the Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, a country he considers a friend and ally of Spain and Europe. The two leaders addressed the global context, reaffirming their commitment to the multilateral system and international law, as well as the potential of fluid and constructive bilateral relations in trade and greater cooperation in energy and digital sovereignty.

He also met with the Prime Minister of Armenia, Nikol Pashinyan, with whom he discussed the importance of completing the peace process and further strengthening ties between Armenia and the European Union.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the second informal meeting of the European Coalition against Drugs, promoted by France and Italy and supported by Spain, took place, focusing on combating drug trafficking through multilateral action.

Non official translation