The Diplomat
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, received the European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law, Michael McGrath, in Madrid on Monday. Albares warned McGrath that Europe must be “firm” in defending international law and multilateralism because “the alternative is the law of the jungle, chaos and violence.”
During the meeting, according to a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Minister stressed that the founding values of the European Union and the rule of law are at the very heart of European identity and that the European Union plays an essential role in defending and promoting these values.
In this regard, Albares asserted that common European institutions allow for greater effectiveness by facilitating close cooperation among Member States, the exchange of knowledge, and the promotion of common standards that strengthen the cohesion and credibility of the European project.
The Minister also maintained that Europe must be firm in defending the rule of law. International relations and multilateralism are crucial because “the alternative to the UN Charter and to peace is not a new world order but the law of the jungle, chaos, and violence.” During the meeting, other topics were also addressed, such as support for Ukraine and the European Shield of Democracy, the initiative presented by the European Commission last November.
McGrath is in Madrid to speak this Tuesday before the Joint Committee of the Congress and the Senate for the European Union, where he will address “matters within his competence,” according to the Congress agenda. The Commissioner will also be received at the Moncloa Palace by Félix Bolaños, Minister of the Presidency, Justice, and Relations with Parliament.