Pedro Sánchez and Alexander De Croo underline the principles of freedom, democracy and the rule of law that Spain and Belgium share within the EU

Moncloa Palace, Madrid

Sánchez and De Croo highlighted the intense diplomatic, commercial, historical and cultural relationship that unites the two countries, while underlining the principles and values of freedom, democracy, equality and the rule of law on which Spain and Belgium recognise each other as partners and friends and on which they are based as societies within the European Union.

In this regard, the Spanish president expressed Spain's firm will to intensify the political and economic relationship with Belgium, "based on mutual trust, which we will further deepen by defending the common values of shared freedom and democracy".

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Fernando CalvoDe Croo stated that "a democracy that sees strength in diversity is a strong democracy, as is Spain", adding that "the only correct path is that of political dialogue".

This is the first time a Belgian head of government has made an official visit to Spain since 2011. It takes place in 2021, when the centenary of the elevation of diplomatic relations to embassy status is commemorated, after the Spanish legation in Brussels during the First World War carried out commendable humanitarian work in defence of the civilian population in an occupied Belgium.

Until the outbreak of the pandemic, Belgium was Spain's eighth largest customer, with a surplus in the balance of trade in goods of 856 million euros in 2019, and a coverage rate of 112%, with 8.298 billion euros in exports.

The positive commercial and business relationship has been exemplified by the request of Prime Minister De Croo to include a visit to the headquarters of the Spanish multinational Indra in his travel programme, recently commissioned to manage EU air traffic and digitise the management of the Eurocontrol network. The company is also currently in charge of a project involving the design and management platform for Smart Cities in the Belgian city of Antwerp.

European Agenda

Foto: Pool Moncloa/Borja Puig de la BellacasaPrime Minister De Croo's visit also served to prepare for the trio of EU Presidencies, which will be launched by Spain in the second half of 2023, followed by Belgium and Hungary in 2024. The establishment of a trio of Presidencies is motivated by the need to ensure continuity and coherence of EU action for a period beyond the six months of each rotating mandate.

Within this EU framework, Sánchez and De Croo also reviewed the main issues on the agenda of this week's European Council on 21 and 22 October. The Spanish proposal for a European approach to the current price situation in the energy market, COVID-19, the migration pact, trade and external relations stand out.

Non official translation