The Senate asks the Foreign Ministry to defend Spain’s role in the independence of the United States

The Diplomat The Senate Foreign Affairs Committee approved a motion on Thursday, presented by the Popular Parliamentary Group (GPP), calling on the Government to officially recognize, "within the framework of the State's foreign policy," Spain's "political, economic, military, logistical, and intellectual contribution to the independence of the United States of America" and to promote "its appropriate reflection in the bilateral relationship and in the international forums in which Spain participates." The text, which passed with 27 votes in favor and one abstention, urges the Government of Pedro Sánchez to "officially recognize, within the framework of the State's foreign policy, Spain's political, economic, military, logistical, and intellectual contribution to the independence of the United States of America, promoting its appropriate reflection in the bilateral relationship and in the international forums in which Spain participates." It also calls for the promotion, “in coordination with the United States authorities, of a joint initiative or declaration of historical recognition that highlights the role played by Spain, including the figure of Bernardo de Gálvez, the contributions of New Spain, and the strategic importance of controlling the Mississippi River during the War of Independence.” The motion also calls for a “specific public and cultural diplomacy strategy in the United States, on the occasion of the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026, through the network of Spanish Embassies and Consulates, including coordinated programs of institutional, academic, educational, and outreach activities.” It proposes “the creation of a Joint Spain-United States Parliamentary Commission on shared historical and cultural heritage, as a stable forum for political, parliamentary, and academic dialogue,” and the pursuit of “cooperation mechanisms with the United States Congress and existing parliamentary friendship groups.” The text also urges Spain to “expressly integrate the legacy of the School of Salamanca and the Franciscan missions in North America into the public, cultural, and educational diplomacy programs developed by Spain in the United States, through the promotion of scholarships, exhibitions, publications, commemorative activities, and university cooperation,” and to “provide institutional support for academic, cultural, and commemorative initiatives related to the 250th anniversary of the independence of the United States, incorporating their conclusions and results into the strategic planning of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union, and Cooperation.” Finally, the motion proposes “the international and, where appropriate, European projection of this initiative, highlighting Spain’s historical role in shaping the Atlantic space and its contribution to the contemporary Western political order” and asks the Government to “periodically inform the Cortes Generales (Spanish Parliament), and in particular the Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, on the actions taken in compliance with this motion, including the submission of a specific report before the end of 2026 or the appearance of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation to report on the progress achieved.”

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