Spain sets out priorities for its presidency of the Council of the EU

Article summary

The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, has presented four priorities for the Spanish presidency of the Council of the EU, which he will assume from 1 July 2023. The priorities are—promoting the reindustrialisation of Europe, moving towards ecological transition, consolidating the social pillar and strengthening European unity. Sánchez stated that the priorities are ‘very much in line with the main concerns and demands of our fellow citizens’. Sánchez estimated that the ecological transition will save Europe up to €133bn euros in fossil fuel imports by 2030, while work on the social pillar will include a reform of fiscal rules that will allow Member States to keep public finances sound while adequately financing public services, green transitions, and the digital transformation.