In a statement delivered on Monday, King Felipe VI stressed that facing the country’s future challenges in a new era requires collective action. He argued that trust, commitment, and cooperation among all sectors are essential, and he highlighted a broad consensus not to miss the opportunities that lie ahead.
The king conveyed this message during the closing ceremony marking the 40th anniversary of the Basque employers’ association Confebask. In his address, he acknowledged the resilience of Basque business leaders amid crises and their strength in confronting terrorism. He urged that the pain of victims should never be forgotten and that their memory must guide current attitudes and decisions.
The event took place with the presence of the Lehendakari, Iñigo Urkullu, along with other business, political, and social representatives. Felipe VI spoke about the climate challenge, the energy transition, and the changing geopolitical landscape, emphasizing that these forces will reshape how globalization is managed and distributed across regions.
He underscored that industry in both Spain and Europe must not fall behind or lose competitiveness, unless there is a balanced response that adapts to major global challenges requiring swift EU-wide agreements. The aim is a sustainable path that can be supported by the international community and by all social and economic actors.
According to the king, the new environment demands joint action and broad consensus to seize opportunities for the country. He reminded the audience that Spain is a country with strength and value, and that there are no excuses for not leveraging its advantages and capabilities.
During the ceremony, the king, who noted minor wrist discomfort and wore a preventive bandage, celebrated Confebask’s founding anniversary and reaffirmed the royal endorsement of Basque businesspeople. He praised their careers and their potential to shape a better future for the Basque Country and for Spain as a whole, stressing that society relies on the contribution of business leaders.
In his remarks, he emphasized that society needs business leaders and appreciates their role. He pointed to the way they stood firm in the face of terrorism and the risks associated with it, highlighting public-private collaboration as a long-standing tradition in Euskadi that supports regional progress and social well-being.
The king also stressed that the country has faced a long-term period of instability, during which entrepreneurs have had to develop solid, shared plans and push them forward. He encouraged business leaders to keep building wealth and employment, which in turn fuels prosperity across the nation.
Felipe VI spoke about the Basque business community in particular and the broader Spanish economy as a whole. He urged leaders to persist with even greater resolve and to continue contributing to economic growth and social advancement, two key pillars of national development.
He concluded by praising the Guggenheim Museum as a symbol of Bilbao’s identity and a landmark of culture, art, and modernity. He noted its positive impact on the local economy and on the perception of Spain abroad, describing its role as a catalyst for ongoing progress and cultural exchange.