Madrid, July 3 2023 (TDI): The President of the European Union Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the EU Commissioners attended the inauguration ceremony of the Spanish Presidency of the EU Council today, during which they discussed Spain’s plans for the coming months.
The visit of the Commissioners to Madrid is the first institutional visit since Spain’s Presidency.
Prior to the discussion, President von der Leyen stressed strengthening support for Ukraine, reinforcing the competitiveness of the EU, and collaborating with international partners, during Spain’s presidency.
Spanish President Pedro Sanchez and President von der Leyen discussed Spain’s six-month agenda and, in particular, the upcoming EU-CELAC summit.
The Commission President set her hopes high for Spain regarding Ukraine, migration issues, COP28, the multi-annual budget and concluding trade deals.
Furthermore, it was scheduled for both presidents to hold a press conference after the discussions.
Spain Takes Up EU Council Presidency
Spain embarked on the journey of EU Council Presidency for the fifth time on July 1, 2023, for the next six months. It has set its priorities high to reflect its commitment to the development of the international community.
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The main priority areas set by the Spanish President include EU green energy transition, reindustrialization, social and economic justice and consolidation of European unity.
Following Spain’s Council presidency, the Spanish President visited Kyiv which was much appreciated by the Commission President as it sent a strong message of solidarity with Ukraine in its war with Russia while reflecting a firm stance of Spain and the EU in this regard.
The EU Presidency entails consolidating unity among members and achieving the best results for the Union.
Based on the system of rotation, the EU Presidency is not held by a single individual but rather by a whole country and gives a chance to all 27 members to contribute towards the political development of the organization for six months.
