Sánchez and Albares convey Spain’s support for Ukraine’s accession to Commissioner Marta Kos

The Diplomat European Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos, was received this Tuesday in Madrid by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, with whom she discussed, among other issues, Spain's support for the accession of Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union. Sánchez received Kos at the Moncloa Palace "within the framework of the events commemorating the 40th anniversary of Spain's entry into the European Union," according to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office. During the meeting, the Prime Minister highlighted "Spain's success, as an example of how valuable enlargement can be for the Union and its citizens," and expressed his support for the new generation of accession treaties. Along these lines, Sánchez emphasized the progress achieved by Montenegro and Albania and expressed Spain's support for the immediate opening of Cluster 1 within the framework of the accession negotiations for Ukraine and Moldova to the European Union. Marta Kos was also received by Albares at the Viana Palace, where they discussed the importance of the Union's enlargement in the current context, its potential consequences, and the internal reforms the Union must undertake both to accommodate the new members and to streamline the decision-making process. During the meeting, according to the Ministry, the Minister defended enlargement as an instrument for Europe to strengthen its stability and security. “Expanding the European family means expanding our internal market, strengthening solidarity among member states, increasing the European Union's influence on the world stage, and consolidating democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights—the very essence of European identity—in other countries,” he stated. He also affirmed that Spain supports Ukraine's accession “as the best guarantee for its future” and maintains its commitment to the accession of the Western Balkans, “recognizing the progress being made by Montenegro and Albania.” The minister also reiterated that, alongside enlargement, it is necessary to move towards true European sovereignty to ensure that Europe has the capacity to make decisions, is free from coercion, and is not dependent on third parties in strategic areas. Prior to this meeting, both Albares and Kos participated in the event '40th Anniversary of Spain's Accession to the European Communities and the upcoming enlargement of the European Union,' held at the Ministry headquarters on Marqués de Salamanca Street and moderated by the director of CIDOB, Pol Morillas. The event addressed, among other issues, the lessons learned over these 40 years, community values, security and enlargement, and the governance of a Union of more than 27 countries. Nearly 200 people attended the event, including senior government officials, ambassadors from European Union member states and candidate countries, representatives of European Union institutions, members of think tanks, and students from universities and the Diplomatic School's master's program.

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