<h6><strong>Ane Barcos</strong></h6> <h4><strong>The President of the European Council, António Costa, highlighted Catalonia's role in Spain's current stability and its drive for European economic growth this Tuesday in Barcelona. "Catalonia has returned and is actively contributing to Spain's stability and growth," said Costa, who, as a Portuguese and Iberian, expressed his satisfaction at seeing the region regain its leadership and emphasized the confidence that the return of large companies to its territory represents.</strong></h4> "Spain is one of the leading countries in economic growth, a true engine for the economy of our continent," he declared during his speech at the Cercle d'Economia. In this context, he praised Catalonia's contribution at a time he described as a "historic turning point," marked by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, global fragmentation, and hybrid threats to European democracy and infrastructure. According to Costa, the region remains essential for a strong and united Europe, stating that “the unshakeable reality that is the European Union today needs the support of Catalonia to continue moving forward.” The former Portuguese president also praised the Spanish government's strategic vision on defense, highlighting President Pedro Sánchez's announcement to increase military spending to 2% of GDP as key: “It's the right thing to do, it's the necessary step,” he asserted. In a more insecure world, he affirmed, “peace without defense is an illusion,” and Europe must prepare not only for military threats but also for hybrid and technological challenges. Costa emphasized the need to strengthen Europe's economic competitiveness, especially through investment in innovation, infrastructure, supply chains, and quality employment. He warned about the deterioration of the global economic order, where tariffs are once again being used as geopolitical weapons. In the face of this, he defended the European approach of openness and cooperation: “We must not respond to protectionism with more protectionism. We must stand united to find solutions through dialogue.” As an example, he cited the success of the trade agreement with Canada (CETA), which has increased European exports to that country by 26%. He encouraged moving forward with similar pacts, especially with Mercosur, India, Mexico, and Southeast Asia, emphasizing that “trade is a powerful tool to build our competitiveness and strengthen our multilateral system.” Looking to the future, Costa emphasized harnessing Europe's internal potential to strengthen itself, from reducing red tape to achieving energy security. He mentioned the success of the “Iberian solution” to contain electricity prices and advocated for “cheap, clean, and secure energy” for citizens and businesses. He also emphasized the importance of mobilizing private investment through a genuine union of capital that boosts innovation and productivity. António Costa once again referred to Catalonia as an essential asset of the European economy, noting that “Catalonia brings together great assets: a strong industrial base, a solid innovative environment, and a vibrant and pro-European civil society.” As examples of Catalan potential, he mentioned his visits to the SEAT factory and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center. “Perhaps the European Union is a bit like the Sagrada Familia: a huge, far-fetched, idealistic project of historic dimensions, with tremendously complex architecture and, in some ways, perpetually unfinished. But it always moves forward with determination, guided by a bold and ambitious vision of the future,” he concluded.
