Around a gathering of young Europeans in Madrid this Friday, José Manuel Albares spoke about Pedro Sánchez’s appointment, framing it as positive momentum for a “four-year, highly European government.” The remark came as the European Union prepares for elections next June, with concerns that anti-EU voices may gain ground if unity falters. Albares underscored the gamble but emphasized that the EU must not allow its institutions to weaken from within; he described the current path as a strong idea and a noble ideal worth defending.
At the Forum on the Future of the EU, organized by Team Europe to spur youth political participation, Albares highlighted the stakes of the moment. He argued that the Union needs continued youth engagement and argued for steadfast commitment to common European goals, especially amid a volatile political landscape across member states. The event drew emphasis from policy makers and advocates who see the EU as a project that thrives on active, informed participation.
During the event in Madrid, Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission, spoke to the importance of safeguarding the European ideal. He reminded attendees of Bono’s famous line that lands the EU’s mission in a human, emotional space: Europe as an idea that must become a feeling. While the realization of that feeling remains a work in progress, Schinas listed several foundational achievements: the EU as the world’s largest integrated market, a leading framework for data protection, and a union that upholds minority rights across twenty-seven democracies. He cited universal education, free healthcare, elder care, and the abolition of the death penalty as core commitments, shaping Europe’s global standing and human rights leadership. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024)
Schinas also offered a candid warning about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. He urged that algorithm control should not rest solely in the hands of engineers but should be managed by society and its representatives. He pointed to how mainstream online rankings can be manipulated by commercial interests, noting that lists like the “top five restaurants” or the “top three vice-presidents” often reflect paid promotion rather than genuine merit. He warned that the choices we collectively make about AI will influence how people think, shop, live, and even vote. The message was clear: the governance of AI will shape generations, and responsible stewardship is essential to preserving democratic agency. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024)
When a young Ukrainian woman raised the prospect of Ukraine joining the European Union, the senior official reaffirmed the Union’s support for Kyiv. He recalled the 2014 Maidan demonstrations, where EU flags were prominently displayed, and stated that Ukraine deserves ongoing solidarity. The reply emphasized a moral obligation to stand with Ukraine and to acknowledge the legitimacy of its aspirations within the European family. The exchange underscored the EU’s role as a steadfast partner in security, democracy, and humanitarian values. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 2024)
Schinas also touched on the question of a digital euro, noting that this area requires careful consideration and clear stance from the European Central Bank. He cautioned that any move toward a digital currency must be grounded in thorough analysis of potential risks and benefits, ensuring that financial stability and consumer protections are maintained while exploring innovations in digital payments.