Forum + Europe examines Spain’s current foreign policy and regional dynamics
Spain’s evolving foreign policy is under the spotlight, with a wide view of Europe’s current challenges. The discussion covers the energy and supply crisis, relations with countries to the south of Spain, and how these issues intersect with Spain’s broader strategic priorities. The event, a collaboration between Forum + Europe and Casa Mediterráneo, features José Manuel Albares, a prominent figure in the Spanish government, presenting before an audience at the public institution housed in the former Murcia Station in Alicante. The gathering is part of a broader series organized by INFORMATION and Casa Mediterráneo, aimed at fostering dialogue on Europe’s future and Spain’s role within it.
The forum also features a keynote on legislative intent and international cooperation. The session is introduced by MEP Domènec Ruiz, who underscores Spain’s resolve in countering aggression in the region, alongside reflections from Andrés Perelló, director of Casa Mediterráneo. Toni Cabot, director of BİLGİ Club, serves as moderator, guiding a discussion that highlights the collaborative efforts of the Alicante Chamber, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Miguel Hernández University in Elche, and the Generalitat Valenciana. Beyond current developments, the forum delves into prospective issues, including how Spain may influence the European Union Presidency’s trajectory and the potential continental impact of political shifts in the coming year, as well as the rise of populist movements across Europe.
Minister Albares outlines Spain’s foreign policy trajectory in Forum + Europe
Albares opens by acknowledging the recent loss suffered from acts of gender-based violence in Alcoy and recalls past visits to Postiguet beach, setting a tone of remembrance and resilience. He then frames the geopolitical moment as a test for Europe, emphasizing the stark choice between models of governance. One model is associated with a vision of unity, peace, and cooperation; the other with nationalism, authoritarianism, and retrograde attitudes. The minister stresses the importance of European solidarity in confronting external pressures and notes ongoing efforts to strengthen internal cohesion in response to external shocks. The message centers on sustaining allied partnerships and continuing pandemic-era collaboration among European partners.
The discussion turns to the energy dimension of the conflict, with the war driving a major energy and supply crisis. In addressing Forum + Europe, Albares argues that energy resources, particularly natural gas, are being used as instruments of leverage by external actors. The speech highlights the need to diversify energy sources, secure supply chains, and maintain European sovereignty in the face of these challenges. The minister also points to upcoming regional discussions and a Mediterranean-focused European summit on the horizon, noting that formal meetings are expected to occur in Alicante. Although the originally scheduled December 9 event faced a postponement due to President Sánchez’s positive Covid-19 test, preparations for a high-level gathering in the city proceed, signaling Alicante as a hub for diplomatic exchange in the near term. The European presidency is framed as an opportunity for Spain to convene dialogues among member states and to shape shared priorities for the coming year, reinforcing the continent’s collective approach to security, energy resilience, and regional stability. The forum reinforces the view that Spain will play a significant role in coordinating policy responses and fostering cooperation among Mediterranean actors in the near future, aligning with broader EU objectives and national interests alike.