different states European Union (EU) to assume Presidency of the Council of Europe rotary each one semester. SpainA member of the community family since 1986 presidential inside four times: inside 1989 Y one thousand nine hundred ninety five – under the government socialist Philip Gonzalez-, inside 2002 -under your baton popular Jose Maria Aznar– and 2010 -with Socialist José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero In front of the executive. This fifth Spanish presidency planned for second term from 2023. Below are the keys to understanding the role Spain played in European building during his presidency.
1989: green light for monetary integration
In the words of the prime minister of the time, Socialist Felipe González, Spain approaching his first presidency European Communities -the future European Union- replaced him in 1989. inexperience with hallucination Y delivery. They were 12 members. The climax took place european summit It was held in Madrid in June 1989 at the place where the starting gun was issued. Economic and Monetary Union. Inside Madrid plant planted seed to create common currency Although there is still a long way to go until Spanish citizens rule. euro What common currency per year 2002.
The international press particularly appreciated the work of Spanish diplomacy, especially Felipe González, in ending the reluctance at the time. British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to create a single currency. on his behalf, he Spanish Foreign Minister Francisco Fernandez Ordoñezfocused Brussels in leading a group of countries united by the desire to find a solution to the crisis Middle East.
1995: the euro takes shape
This Socialist Felipe González He continued as Prime Minister in the second Spanish presidency of the EU. It was christened as the common currency at the European summit held in Madrid in December 1995. “euro”. introduced world financial markets It replaced the old European Currency as the account currency on 1 January 1999. signature 1992 Maastricht Treaty, The normative foundations for all Member States of the European Union have been established, euro. Civil use of this currency in Spain would still have to wait until 2002.
Another important milestone of the second Spanish presidency, daily deals, war on former Yugoslavia. also signed euromediterranean Global Declaration, A global partnership between the European Union (EU) and the twelve countries of the Southern Mediterranean.
2002: euro reaches society
Inside third presidency of spain in the EU’s first semester 2002, popular Jose Maria Aznar He was in charge of the executive office. As in previous presidencies, Spain once again found itself at the forefront of one of the most important milestones of the long presidency. European construction: the euro came to society. From January 1 to March 1, both currencies, the euro and the peseta, coexisted. they took place two european summits within a semester Barcelona and another Seville.
This fight against international terrorismThe creation of research teams to improve cooperation and exchange of information was another aspect that should be emphasized during the Spanish presidency.
2010: ‘non-presidential’
With Socialist José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero At the head of the government, the fourth Spanish presidency of the EU, ‘no presidency’. The explanation is as follows: With the enactment of the law Treaty of Lisbonfor the first time Belgian Hernan Van Rompuy, permanent chairman of the council, which reduced Zapatero’s importance. Similarly, Miguel Ángel Moratinos, the Spanish Foreign Minister, became the center of attention with the new name. High Representative for Foreign Policyfollowed by the British Catherine Ashton .The Treaty of LisbonThe Law, which entered into force at the end of 2009 and led to fundamental changes in the functioning of institutions, european room.
It’s been a tough semester. severe economic crisis He lived in Europe. Spain approves main measures inspired by the hard core of Germany-led EU to get out of crisis: intervention Greece and pose drastic measures in other countries.