Spain’s Global Role: UN, EU, and Cultural Impact
United Nations Membership
The United Nations includes all countries that have accepted its Charter, originally signed in 1941. Currently, all countries are members except Vatican City (an observer state) and Taiwan (due to China’s non-recognition). Spain joined the UN in 1955. All member countries meet in the General Assembly annually or when conflicts arise, with each country having one vote. Decisions require a simple majority (half + 1), or a 2/3 majority for important matters. Resolutions are recommendations, but non-compliance is frowned upon. The Security Council approves resolutions and enforces them, aiming to maintain global peace and security. Member states are generally obliged to abide by the Council’s decisions. The Council has 15 members: 10 non-permanent members elected every 2 years (currently: Australia, Burkina Faso, Austria, Costa Rica, Croatia, Japan, Libya, Turkey, Uganda, Vietnam) and 5 permanent members.
Spain on the World Stage
Spain is a member state of the European Union (27 countries). It is part of Western and Mediterranean cultures, and a developed nation with a high standard of living. Spain has an area of approximately 500,000 km2 (specifically 504,782 km2), ranking 51st globally in size. It is one of the larger European countries, after Russia, Ukraine, and France. Its population is around 47 million, making it relatively populous. In terms of wealth, Spain’s GDP per capita is approximately $30,000, placing it among developed nations (27th in global wealth per capita). Nominal GDP ranks Spain 9th globally. The Human Development Index (HDI), considering life expectancy, education, and GDP per capita, ranks Spain 15th.
Spain’s Cultural Influence
Spain is multilingual, with Spanish being the most internationally recognized language. It is the second most spoken native language globally and the second most spoken in the United States. It is also spoken in Equatorial Guinea (Africa).
Spain in Professional Organizations
For a significant period during Franco’s dictatorship, Spain was internationally isolated and excluded from many professional bodies. This changed during the Cold War, as the United States saw Spain as a potential ally. Spain joined the UN in 1955 and experienced significant economic growth after joining the European Union in 1986. Spain also participates in various organizations:
- Defense and Security: NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization), created in 1949 to counter the communist threat. Spain joined NATO after a referendum in 1986. Also, WEU (Western European Union) for European defense, and OSCE (Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe).
- Economic Organizations: OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) since 1961, IMF (International Monetary Fund), and WTO (World Trade Organization).
The European Union
European Construction
After World War II, Europe was devastated. To prevent future conflicts, particularly between France and Germany, the ECSC (European Coal and Steel Community) was created in 1951. Members included West Germany, France, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), and Italy. Economic cooperation through the ECSC aimed to make future wars impossible.
Economic Activity in Europe
Due to the ECSC’s success, member states expanded cooperation. The Treaty of Rome in 1957 established the European Economic Community (EEC), or Common Market. The treaty aimed for the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital among member states, gradually eliminating borders.
The Treaty on European Union (1992)
The Maastricht Treaty, signed in 1992, involved 12 member states: the founders (1957) – France, West Germany, Benelux, and Italy; plus the UK, Ireland, and Denmark (1973); Greece (1981); and Spain and Portugal (1986). The treaty strengthened economic cooperation and promoted political and social integration, transforming the EEC into the European Union. It enhanced the European Parliament’s powers and introduced European citizenship, granting rights such as:
- Freedom of movement and residence within member states.
- Voting rights in European Parliament and local elections.
- Protection by diplomatic and consular authorities.
- The right to address the European Ombudsman.
- The right to petition the European Parliament.
The treaty also aimed for a common foreign and security policy and established the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), leading to the Euro’s introduction on January 1, 2002. Some countries, like the UK, Sweden, and Denmark, did not adopt the Euro.
The Lisbon Treaty
Signed in 2007 and effective in 2009, the Lisbon Treaty aimed to streamline EU institutions. It set the number of MEPs at 750 plus the Parliament President. It established a permanent President of the European Council, elected for a two-and-a-half-year term, renewable once (maximum 5 years). European Council decisions require a double majority: 55% of member states representing over 65% of the EU population, preventing a small group of countries from imposing decisions. The treaty also emphasized the importance of regions within the EU. (Catherine Ashton was appointed High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and Herman Van Rompuy as President of the EU Council).
Institutions of the European Union
The European Parliament, based in Strasbourg, France, represents EU citizens, who elect MEPs every five years. It is a legislative body, making laws, and MEPs are grouped by political ideology, not nationality. The Parliament also approves the EU budget.