In an exclusive interview with Prensamedia, Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, underscores Spain’s pioneering role in recognizing the State of Palestine, paving the way for other EU Member States to follow suit. He also describes Russian incursions into EU countries as “a clear provocation” and highlights the need for a firm and united response to these violations of sovereignty. The minister further addresses the upcoming Ibero-American Summit to be held in Madrid, where Spain will focus on the green and digital transitions, strengthening Ibero-American cooperation, and creating a shared space for knowledge and digital rights—consolidating Spain’s role in relations between Europe and Latin America.
The Diplomat in Spain – The Prime Minister has announced the deployment of a naval vessel from Cartagena to support the humanitarian flotilla heading to Gaza. What is the purpose of this military mission? We also know that the Italian Government has taken a similar step.
José Manuel Albares – This is a mission that is entirely humanitarian and peaceful. Its sole objective is to deliver humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza, given that Israel has imposed a total blockade on the Strip. The members of this mission are peaceful and humanitarian individuals; they pose no threat to Israel.
From the outset, I made it clear that they have the full consular and diplomatic protection of the Spanish Government—both from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and personally from myself as Minister.
We are seeing too many reported incidents and attacks in the area, which is why we have decided to send a Spanish Navy vessel in case of any possible incident, the need to carry out a rescue, or to provide assistance to our citizens.
Just a few days ago, together with 16 other foreign ministers of countries whose nationals are on board those vessels, we made it very clear that, in the event of any incident, aggression, or obstruction of free navigation as enshrined in international law, those responsible must be held accountable before international justice.
The Diplomat in Spain – In the Gaza conflict, the Spanish Government was among the first to recognize the State of Palestine as a solution to the situation. Spain has also led the call to suspend the trade agreement between the European Union and Israel. Do you believe the international community has followed Spain’s lead? And within the EU, does disunity remain an issue?
José Manuel Albares – Without a doubt, Spain is leading. At first, when we recognized the State of Palestine, some said we were alone. But it soon became clear that we were not. We were pioneers, opening the way, and quickly other countries such as Slovenia, Norway, and Ireland followed. Now, even permanent members of the UN Security Council like France and the United Kingdom, as well as EU countries such as Portugal, and nations from other continents like Canada or Australia, have taken similar positions.
On the suspension of the EU–Israel Association Agreement, Spain was the first to demand it immediately and in full. Today, we already have a majority of Member States that recognize the State of Palestine, which must have an impact on the EU. Moreover, we have a majority supporting at least a partial suspension of the agreement. Spain would prefer it to be total, and I have therefore asked the High Representative to move forward to a formal vote to confirm whether a qualified majority already exists to apply these sanctions.
Undoubtedly, Spain is doing more than any other country to stop the endless violence in Gaza and to ensure the establishment of a realistic and viable Palestinian state. We are exercising clear leadership in Europe, defending the fundamental values that lie at the core of European integration—and we are doing so to safeguard Europe’s honor and dignity.
The Diplomat in Spain – Let us turn to the second conflict, now entering its fourth year: the war in Ukraine. In recent weeks, we have seen new developments, including Russian drone and fighter incursions into the airspace of Poland, Romania, and Estonia. We also witnessed two incidents during President von der Leyen’s trip to Bulgaria, when her communications system was hacked, as well as during the Spanish Defense Minister’s trip to Lithuania. Are we facing a new phase in the conflict? Is this a qualitative escalation?
José Manuel Albares – These are clear provocations and flagrant violations of the sovereignty and airspace of EU Member States and NATO allies. Our response must be firm and united. We must not fall into provocations—but neither into inaction.
What is clear is that the security of Europeans is indivisible. Spain is actively contributing to the security of NATO’s eastern flank, with nearly 3,000 troops, and we are going to further reinforce our participation. This is yet another demonstration that Russia is not seeking peace, but is engaged in continuous provocation and escalation.
The Diplomat in Spain – Are you concerned that the unity the EU has shown in defending Ukraine could begin to fracture—not only politically but also in terms of European public opinion?
José Manuel Albares – I see no risk of disunity. We are all aware that a war of aggression cannot yield any reward for the aggressor, because that would solve nothing. If we allowed it, the world would be less secure, and the aggressor would feel emboldened to continue attacking.
This morning, together with the Prime Minister, we met with President Zelensky and reiterated our full support. That support is unequivocal among all EU Member States, because we all understand that Europe’s security is at stake—and that it is inextricably linked to Ukraine’s security. Our values are also at stake. We must not forget that what Russia probably cannot forgive Ukraine for is its aspiration to join the European Union—to be a democracy, a tolerant and diverse society.
The Diplomat in Spain – In today’s tense world, with two major conflicts, rising uncertainty, and polarization, EU–Latin American ties have gained prominence and become more necessary than ever. Next year, Spain will host the 30th Ibero-American Summit. What agenda and priorities has the Spanish Government set for this summit?
José Manuel Albares – Spain is a key player in relations between Europe and Latin America, and in everything the Ibero-American community represents. Our ties with Latin America are not just a matter of foreign policy; they are part of who we are, how we see ourselves, and how we project ourselves in the world. I firmly believe in a genuine way of being and projecting oneself in the world that is inherently Ibero-American.
We played a fundamental role, during our presidency, in bringing relations between Europe and Latin America—between the EU and CELAC—to their highest point. We are only weeks away from a new summit in Colombia, and this very morning I attended a meeting of CELAC and EU foreign ministers. Tomorrow, we will also hold an Ibero-American foreign ministers’ breakfast, as Spain currently holds the Pro Tempore Secretariat.
This is a decisive moment to strengthen ties not only between Spain and Latin America, but also between Europe and Latin America—especially as we now have the right financial instrument: the Global Gateway. That fund, created during our presidency specifically to strengthen EU–Latin American relations, is key in such a complex global context.
We live in a scenario where some advocate unilateral responses to global challenges, where multilateralism and peace are being questioned. In this context, Europeans and Latin Americans share the same values: peace, commitment to the United Nations during this week of the General Assembly in New York, multilateralism, and cooperation. We firmly believe that cooperation is always stronger than confrontation.
This is what defines our Pro Tempore Secretariat of the Ibero-American Community and what will guide next year’s Ibero-American Summit in Madrid: reinforcing and reaffirming the Ibero-American community as a permanent forum for dialogue and cooperation, in the face of unilateralism and confrontation.
The Diplomat in Spain – We are experiencing a dual transformation: the ecological transition toward sustainability, and the digital transition. Within the framework of EU–Latin American relations, and in the upcoming Ibero-American Summit, what can Spain and Europe offer Latin America to ensure this dual transition is fair, balanced, and equitable across the continent?
José Manuel Albares – Clearly, financial support. The European Union today has the financial capacity to back this. Secondly, it is essential to finalize trade agreements with Mexico, Chile, and Mercosur, creating markets that benefit both regions.
As for Spain, we have set out clear goals for the Ibero-American Summit. One is to develop civil protection mechanisms—especially now that climate change is severely affecting both Spain, as seen with the wildfires this summer, and Latin America, with floods and other phenomena. There is much we can share and learn from each other.
Another key objective is the creation of an Ibero-American Charter of Digital Rights. We must work to ensure that this charter achieves its full potential. Lastly, a fundamental pillar of our agenda will be mobility. We want to facilitate the mobility of students and teachers, streamline academic recognition, and create a shared knowledge space.
The Diplomat in Spain – You frequently meet and hold talks with Ibero-American foreign ministers and with ambassadors of their respective countries in Spain. What atmosphere have you perceived ahead of the 30th Ibero-American Summit? How do you view relations and the willingness for dialogue, which seems more essential than ever?
José Manuel Albares – At this moment, we are all aware that unity and strengthened cooperation between Spain and Latin America—along with Portugal and Andorra—are essential within the Ibero-American community. In the EU–CELAC framework, at the biregional level, this cooperation will be crucial to addressing the enormous challenges ahead, such as the transitions we have mentioned, as well as global instability and the setbacks we are seeing in trade.
The current atmosphere is therefore one of reaffirming dialogue and coordination. One of the mandates of Spain’s Pro Tempore Secretariat for the Ibero-American Summit is to strengthen our system and improve channels of dialogue, ensuring that we can continue advancing and making decisions effectively. We want to establish a new Ibero-American Cooperation Plan—one of the major achievements of the coming years—and expand our areas of collaboration.
We also aim to move forward in civil protection, with the creation of an Ibero-American mechanism in this field, and to deepen the mutual recognition of academic degrees in order to build an Ibero-American knowledge community.
Furthermore, we will continue working on the Ibero-American Charter of Digital Rights and ensure that Ibero-America speaks with a unified voice in international forums—just as we did at the Development Financing Conference in Seville—so that our region can carry weight comparable to others in the world.
