Spain’s Foreign Policy: EU Integration & Global Relations
Spain’s Foreign Policy Objectives
Following the transition to democracy, Spain’s primary foreign policy goal was normalizing diplomatic relations globally. This involved establishing ties with countries like Israel and several communist nations, previously ignored under Franco’s regime. Adolfo Suárez’s government prioritized this normalization, although the recognition of Israel caused some controversy.
Simultaneously, Spain sought to join the European Economic Community (EEC), a process delayed until eight years later under a socialist government. Another key objective was joining the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), which faced significant opposition from left-wing parties and segments of society. Despite this, the government successfully applied for and gained NATO membership, a move some analysts considered crucial for EEC entry. The Socialist party pledged a referendum on NATO membership if they came to power.
Spain’s Integration into the European Union
In 1985, Felipe González’s government signed the Treaty of Accession to the European Communities, fulfilling a promise with a referendum. This marked the end of a long process, initially hindered by Spain’s lack of political freedoms. The Suárez and Calvo Sotelo governments laid the groundwork, but challenges included Spain’s economic structure, internal EEC issues, and the 1973 economic crisis. Support from Germany and France proved instrumental in paving the way for negotiations. Spain accepted stringent conditions, including long transitional periods for less competitive sectors.
Spanish Presence in European Bodies
Despite its population size, Spain holds a notable presence in European institutions. It maintains two Commissioners and 64 seats in the European Parliament (out of 626). The eastward expansion of the EU led to adjustments, with Spain retaining its voting weight but losing one Commissioner. Spain consistently supported the development of a common European identity, actively participating in the Single European Act (1986), the EU Treaty (1993), and the expansion to the EU15 (1995). The Single European Act aimed to create a borderless single market for goods, capital, and people. The Maastricht Treaty (1992) further advanced European integration, promoting economic and monetary union (culminating in the euro’s adoption in 2000), and establishing the right of EU citizens to vote and be elected in municipal and European elections in their place of residence.
Positive Outcomes of EU Membership
Spain’s EU membership has yielded a positive balance. While initially a net contributor, Spain has consistently benefited financially. The year 1995, for example, showed a surplus of 678.452 billion pesetas compared to the previous year. While net profits have decreased due to Spain’s increased wealth, the EAGGF funding in agriculture has increased by 124% since the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) began. However, some sectors, like the Canary oil or banana industries, have faced challenges. The EU has also encouraged agricultural land abandonment and vineyard reduction. The industrial sector has benefited from foreign investment and market expansion, while the tertiary sector has seen a more balanced trade relationship with the EU. The liberalization of air transport has presented challenges for Iberia. Overall, the sectoral balance sheet is positive, with the exception of the fisheries sector.
Traditional Ties: Latin America and the Mediterranean
Spain’s EU membership did not diminish its focus on Latin America and the Arab world. Instead, the government aimed to act as a bridge between Europe and these regions.
Spain and Latin America
The transition to democracy significantly altered Spain’s relationship with Latin America. Key aspects include: A) Spain’s democratic model serving as a reference for Latin American transitions; B) Ibero-American influence in Spanish politics exceeding its economic weight; C) the shift from the concept of”Hispanida” to the Ibero-American Community of Nations; and D) Ibero-American policy becoming a state policy with the King playing a significant role. Centrist governments prioritized linking, bridging, and integrating with Latin America. Socialist governments built on this, adopting a two-way diplomacy approach (European and Latin American) and pursuing the creation of the Ibero-American Community of Nations. Spanish participation in Central American peace processes, including the Group of Friends (Colombia, Mexico, Venezuela, and Spain), contributed to the El Salvador peace agreement. EU membership broadened opportunities for Ibero-American policy, with increased EU aid to Latin America. The Ibero-American Summits of Heads of State and Government, starting in 1991, marked a significant step in relations.
Spain and the Mediterranean
Spain advocated for increased EU attention to southern Mediterranean countries, leading to the 1995 Barcelona Euro-Mediterranean Conference. The conference resulted in commitments to promote regional rule of law, democracy, security, free trade, investment, and financial aid. The conference’s impact was moderated by the EU’s focus on Eastern Europe and the reduced political weight of Mediterranean countries within the EU.
Foreign Policy under Aznar
José María Aznar’s government marked a shift in style and priorities, leading to a reduction in Spain’s international political influence. Relations with Cuba cooled due to a desire to align with US policy, although this was later softened. Relations with Germany cooled, while ties with Tony Blair’s Britain strengthened. Aznar’s influence within the EU grew over time. In the Mediterranean, relations with Morocco deteriorated following the Parsley Island incident, but were later restored.