Spain’s Integration: NATO and European Union Membership
International Integration: Spain’s Accession to NATO and the EU
NATO was established by the Washington Treaty on April 4, 1949. Initially conceived as a military defense pact to address the perceived threat of socialist expansion in Europe, its primary purpose was to safeguard peace and security, and to foster stability and prosperity in the North Atlantic region. Following the dissolution of the Warsaw Pact, NATO has evolved into a peacekeeping force.
The North Atlantic Council, composed of representatives from member countries, serves as NATO’s executive body. Meetings are held biannually, attended by member states’ permanent representatives (ambassadors).
In October 1981, following a government proposal to the Union of the Democratic Centre (UCD) by Leopoldo Calvo Sotelo, the Spanish Congress approved Spain’s application for NATO membership. This became effective in May 1982. Despite opposition from leftist parties, the Spanish Socialist Workers’ Party (PSOE) pledged to hold a referendum on NATO membership upon assuming power.
1986 NATO Referendum
Building upon Spain’s successful integration into the European Economic Community (EEC), which formally occurred on January 1, 1986, and fulfilling promises made while in opposition, Felipe Gonzalez called a referendum on March 12, 1986, to ratify Spain’s continued membership in NATO.
Felipe Gonzalez’s stance shifted from initial reservations about the Atlantic Alliance to strong support for remaining within it, primarily for two reasons:
- Withdrawal would be negatively perceived by the USA and the EEC.
- Staying in NATO was crucial to ending Spain’s historical isolation.
The right-wing coalition, led by Manuel Fraga, advocated for abstention, while parties to the left of the PSOE called for a “no” vote. The Socialist Party invested heavily in the referendum campaign, reportedly spending around 2,000 million pesetas. This led to the use of parallel funding sources, involving shell companies linked to the party to raise funds, which later became the origin of the Filesa Case.
The March 1986 referendum saw a significant abstention rate of over 40%, with a narrow majority of approximately 52.5% of the votes cast in favor of remaining in NATO.
Spain’s Entry into the European Economic Community (EEC)
Spain’s entry into the EEC was a long process, starting with the preferential trade agreement of 1962, negotiated by former Industry Minister Alberto Ullastres. Negotiations resumed during the transition to democracy and gained significant momentum under the government led by Felipe Gonzalez from December 1982. Foreign Minister Fernando Moran played a key role in the negotiations with the Community.
Numerous obstacles, particularly concerning agriculture and fisheries, raised by other community partners, had to be overcome. Countries like Italy and Germany consistently supported Spain’s entry. By early March 1985, negotiations were nearing completion, leading to agreements for the nearly simultaneous entry of Portugal and Spain, expanding the Community to 12 members. The accession agreement was signed in Madrid and Lisbon in mid-June 1985 and came into effect on January 1, 1986.