Pedro Sánchez: Spain will not let foreign capitals decide its policies

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez told delegates in Barcelona that Spain will not allow its policies to be decided in foreign capitals and urged European states to strengthen political, economic and technological independence amid intensifying geopolitical rivalries.

Speaking at the "World in Progress" forum in Barcelona, Sánchez said: "Spain is governed from Spain, not from Washington, Tel Aviv, Moscow or Buenos Aires." The remark underscored his call for Europe to protect its own interests against external interference.

Three strategic risks

Sánchez singled out three main challenges facing Europe: the war in Ukraine, strategic rivalry between the United States and China, and growing international competition for energy and other resources. He warned that these pressures require clearer, more autonomous policies from European capitals.

The prime minister also expressed concern about the strengthening of the far right, arguing that some political organisations maintain links with political and economic centres outside Europe whose interests do not necessarily align with those of European citizens. As an example of a different approach, he mentioned German chancellor Friedrich Merz and Polish prime minister Donald Tusk, saying there are limits to political cooperation that should not be crossed.

Sánchez additionally estimated that conflicts in the Middle East have imposed roughly €100 billion in extra costs on European economies, a burden that has directly affected living standards and business operations across the continent.

Photo: press material from the event