Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, in an exclusive interview with Euronews, asserted Spain’s unwavering commitment to the two-state solution for the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, emphasizing that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians and its inhabitants. This declaration comes in the wake of controversial remarks by former US President Donald Trump suggesting that neighboring countries should absorb the Palestinian population. Albares firmly rejected this notion, reiterating Spain’s dedication to a peaceful future for Palestinians within their own state. He underscored the importance of adhering to international law, expressing concern over the actions of violent settlers in the West Bank and advocating for a unified Palestinian Authority coexisting peacefully with Israel. Albares stressed the European Union’s role in facilitating this peaceful resolution.
Albares’ interview covered a wide range of geopolitical issues, including the ongoing Syrian crisis. He expressed a desire for an inclusive and peaceful future for Syria, respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity free from external interference. Crucially, he emphasized the need for safeguards guaranteeing the rights of all minorities within a new Syrian constitution – a constitution that ensures equal rights for all citizens regardless of gender, ethnicity, or religious affiliation. This commitment to human rights and inclusivity underscores Spain’s approach to international relations and its focus on fostering democratic principles globally.
Albares also addressed former President Trump’s controversial statements regarding Greenland, downplaying their significance and emphasizing the unity of Europeans around shared values. He unequivocally stated that Greenland is an integral part of Denmark, a member of the European Union, thus indirectly rebuking Trump’s suggestion of a potential US acquisition of the island. This reaffirmation of Denmark’s territorial integrity highlights the importance of respecting international borders and sovereignty, a principle that Albares consistently championed throughout the interview.
Regarding NATO defense spending, Albares responded to Trump’s criticism of Spain’s failure to meet the 2% GDP target. He argued that Spain’s contribution should be assessed based on absolute figures, not just percentages. He pointed out that Spain ranks as the eighth-largest net contributor to NATO defense in terms of actual monetary investment, demonstrating a substantial commitment to the alliance despite not meeting the percentage-based target. This perspective highlights the complexity of defense spending assessments and the need to consider various metrics beyond simple GDP percentages.
The Spanish Foreign Minister’s interview reflects Spain’s commitment to a multilateral approach to international relations, based on respect for international law, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution. Albares’ statements strongly support the Palestinian right to self-determination and a two-state solution, while also emphasizing the importance of protecting minority rights in Syria and maintaining the territorial integrity of European nations. His responses to Trump’s provocative remarks underscore Spain’s commitment to European unity and a rules-based international order.
Furthermore, Albares’ approach suggests a broader trend within the European Union towards a more assertive foreign policy stance, independent of US influence. His willingness to publicly challenge Trump’s statements on various issues demonstrates a growing confidence within the EU to pursue its own foreign policy objectives. This includes a commitment to multilateralism, human rights, and peaceful conflict resolution, often contrasting with the more unilateralist tendencies of the former US administration. Spain, under Albares’ leadership, appears to be playing a significant role in shaping this evolving European foreign policy landscape.
