Spain assumes the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union on Saturday, but its approach is divided due to early elections that will be held in three weeks and could result in a change of government. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez enthusiastically presented the priorities of the Spanish presidency before plunging into the election campaign.
Sanchez, a leader with an international profile and a desire to strengthen Spain’s influence in Brussels, surprised everyone by announcing early legislative elections just after a left-wing defeat in municipal and regional elections. Although the country holding the presidency of the EU Council has no more say than its partners, it is expected to give political impetus to key issues of debate during its six-month term.
However, there is a risk that the Spanish presidency will have its head elsewhere due to the election campaign. Although Spain is a fundamentally pro-European country, ministers will be busy campaigning and preoccupied with their future positions, limiting their time and energy for European engagements.
Sanchez has tried to reassure us by assuring us that all the established objectives will be met. To defend his position, he points to the example of France, which held presidential elections while holding the EU presidency. Among Spain’s priorities are the reform of European migration policy and the ratification of the trade agreement with Mercosur, which generates resistance in some countries.
The question mark among European partners is whether Sanchez will be able to stay in power after the elections, as polls suggest a victory for the right. If there is a quick change of government, it would not be so problematic, but if the negotiations are prolonged, it could complicate the Spanish presidency. Moreover, difficulties could increase if the moderate and pro-European Popular Party needs the support of the far-right Vox party to govern. In short, Spain assumes the presidency of the EU Council with its head set on early elections. While it is expected to meet its objectives, political uncertainty poses challenges and could affect negotiations and the approach to European affairs.