Sánchez argues that the EU must maintain a relationship of equality with the US, not one of “vassalage”

The president of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, argued on Monday that the European Union must maintain a relationship of equals with the United States, not one of “vassalage” of Europeans before the administration now headed by Donald Trump.

Sánchez expressed his conviction about the benefits of this pro-Atlanticism at the press conference he gave together with his Greek counterpart, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, after the meeting they held at the Palacio de la Moncloa (the presidential headquarters), in which the analysis of the current geopolitical situation was one of the main topics.

In addition to issues such as Ukraine and Venezuela, both heads of government addressed Trump’s aspirations regarding Greenland, after the president of the United States stated his determination to control this territory “by fair means or foul.”

The head of the Spanish Executive recalled that Madrid signed a declaration last week together with other European countries on this matter and expressed his conviction that security in the Arctic can be guaranteed.

In his view, the fundamental thing is to be aware that collective security is not at odds with the security of a country like the United States.

“We are a pro-Atlanticist government that defends the validity and vigor of the Atlantic Alliance, but that relationship does not allow for inequalities and it is important to work together based on respect and taking into account the shared values and principles of all Western countries,” he added, before reiterating his view that there cannot be a relationship of “vassalage,” but one of equals.

He believes that the defense of these values must be applied both in the face of the aspirations of the Russian president, Vladímir Putin, and “in any other matter that has to do with the violation of International Law,” alluding to Trump’s intentions regarding Greenland.

For his part, Mitsotakis pointed out that the future of Greenland is for this territory and Denmark to decide, and that the European Union must be at the forefront in defending the territory of all its states.

But he expressed his conviction that solutions can be found on Arctic security issues for the mutual benefit of both sides of the Atlantic and, in light of this, he called for a united European Union.

Regarding bilateral relations between Spain and Greece, the two heads of government highlighted the good moment they are going through and the importance of joint collaboration in the face of common interests on the European agenda.

Thus, they referred specifically to the negotiation of the next EU budgetary framework, with special relevance for both countries regarding what is decided for the Common Agricultural Policy, and the implementation of the migration pact.

In the same way, Sánchez and Mitsotakis highlighted the economic transformation of Spain and Greece, in which context the Spanish leader stated that both countries were considered the “sick men of Europe” not many years ago and are now a benchmark and a driving force for progress.

Sánchez, who also stressed the importance of the final agreement reached between the EU and Mercosur, agreed with his Greek counterpart on the need to maintain support for Ukraine and to seek a definitive peace in the Middle East. (January 12)