Spain’s International Relations & EU Integration: A Historical Overview
Spain in the International Context
The Socialist Period (1982-1996)
The main developments of this period were:
- NATO Entry: Although initially opposed, the PSOE facilitated Spain’s NATO accession, approved by referendum in 1986.
- Latin America: Spain supported democratization processes and fostered cooperation, becoming a key intermediary between the EU and Latin America.
- Mediterranean Policy: Spain established diplomatic relations with Israel and sought peace in the Middle East. The 1991 Madrid Conference recognized Spain’s mediating role in the Arab-Israeli conflict. Closer ties with Morocco were developed, though at the expense of the Western Sahara issue.
- Gibraltar: A more conversational approach replaced Franco’s hardline stance. The border, closed for 15 years, reopened in 1982, yet the UK retains control.
- Post-USSR: Spain sought a prominent role in the new world order, participating in conflicts in Iraq, Yugoslavia, and elsewhere. This involvement, though sometimes controversial, enhanced Spain’s international standing and improved the image of its armed forces.
The Transition of the 21st Century (1996-2010)
Under the PP governments (1996-2004), two distinct phases emerged:
1996-2001
- European Union: The primary objective was joining the monetary union and adopting the euro.
- Latin America: Spain became the largest foreign investor, surpassing the U.S., particularly in telecommunications, energy, and banking.
- Security and Defense: Spain increased its peacekeeping presence, especially in the Balkans, while reducing its role in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
2001-2004
- Post-9/11: Aznar’s government adopted a strong pro-U.S. stance, participating in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars despite public opposition. The focus shifted to combating international terrorism.
- Madrid Bombings: The 2004 Madrid bombings are linked to the PP’s electoral defeat three days later.
The Socialist government (2004-2010) reoriented foreign policy back towards the European Union, even at the cost of cooler relations with the U.S.
Spain’s Integration into Europe
Spain in the European Union
Franco’s undemocratic regime prevented integration into the European Economic Community (EEC, now the EU). Following his death in 1975, Adolfo Suárez applied for membership. Negotiations, alongside Portugal, began in 1979 and proved lengthy and challenging due to several factors:
- Spain aimed for a comprehensive agreement to avoid subsequent revisions, as had occurred with Great Britain.
- The process coincided with an economic crisis that hampered European integration.
- Concerns arose regarding migration, agricultural competition (France and Italy), fisheries (Ireland), Gibraltar (Britain), and Spain’s NATO membership (Germany).
The Act of Accession to the European Communities was signed in Madrid on June 12, 1985, and came into effect on January 1, 1986. A seven-year transitional period allowed Spain to adjust. The Single European Act (1987) aimed to remove barriers to the free movement of people, capital, products, and services. Spain received substantial funding from European funds.
In 1989, Spain agreed to the creation of the European Monetary Union (EMU). The Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty), signed in 1992, approved the creation of the euro. Spain met the necessary economic criteria and adopted the euro in 2002.
The 2001 Nice Treaty paved the way for twelve new member states, shifting Spain’s status from a net recipient of aid to a contributor.
EU membership marked Spain’s shift from protectionist policies to an open international economy. Integration has been largely beneficial for Spain.