Spain’s Global Standing: Influence, Relationships, and Challenges

Posted on Apr 13, 2025 in Social sciences

Spain’s Global Standing

During the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, Spain’s international influence declined due to the loss of its settlements, technological and economic isolation. Since joining the EU, Spain’s role in the world has increased.

Spain’s External Relations: Two Key Aspects

  1. Participation in International Organizations: Since 1975, Spain has increased its participation in organizations promoting peace, economic development, defense, and solidarity. Key organizations include:
  • UN (United Nations): Aims to maintain global peace and security.
  • FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization): Works to increase food production.
  • IMF (International Monetary Fund): Focuses on maintaining financial stability.
  • WTO (World Trade Organization): Promotes international commerce.
  • ILO (International Labour Organization): Strives for social justice and employment.
  • WHO (World Health Organization): Aims to reduce mortality and increase life expectancy.
  • UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization): Focuses on culture, education, and science.
  • OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development): Promotes economic cooperation and development.
  • NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization): A military alliance for defense.
  • WEU (Western European Union): A European defense organization, now integrated into the EU.
Geopolitical Lines: Spain’s location between two seas and at a continental crossroads places it in a unique position:
  1. Mediterranean Environment: Spain and the EU aim to maintain ties with Euro-Mediterranean countries, fostering economic cooperation, stability, and political and social development. Challenges include the growth of North African cities and territorial claims by Morocco on Ceuta and Melilla.
  2. Latin America: Spain seeks to strengthen relations through:
  • Promoting institutional relations.
  • Supporting democratization.
  • Impulso economic development and social aid.
  • Fostering a community of Latin American nations based on shared history and culture.
  • Strengthening relationships between the EU and Latin America.
EU Membership: Spain’s EU membership determines the scope of its economic, cultural, and political relations. Adapting to a developed Europe required significant effort. The EU expansion presents both opportunities and challenges. While Spain gains access to a larger market for its agricultural and industrial products, it also faces increased competition. To mitigate negative effects, Spain needs to enhance its competitiveness and maintain economic stability to attract investments.

Spain also collaborates with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs) such as Manos Unidas.