Spain’s Role in Shaping European Values
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has made it clear that Europe must not only strengthen its military capabilities but also reaffirm its moral standing to contribute to global peace and stability. His remarks at a recent European forum highlight the country’s unique position as a voice of conscience within Western Europe.
From the conflict in Gaza to the tensions involving Israel and Iran, Spain has taken a firm stance on several international issues, often diverging from the more cautious approach of other Western European nations. This unwavering commitment has earned Spain a reputation for being an outlier in its criticism of powerful allies like the United States and Israel.
When the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran in late February, Sánchez condemned the action as an “unjustified and dangerous military intervention that is outside international law.” He later described the operation as “absurd, cruel and illegal.” In addition, Spain denied American forces the use of its military bases for attacks against Iran, with Defence Minister Margarita Robles stating that Spain’s position was “very clear.”
This week, Spain became the first Western country to reopen its embassy in Tehran after a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect. However, Sánchez appeared unimpressed by the agreement, which was brokered by Pakistan shortly after President Trump threatened to destroy Iranian civilization. He criticized the deal, writing, “The government of Spain will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.”
Sánchez’s approach has led to friction with both the U.S. and Israeli leaders. Former U.S. President Donald Trump called Spain “terrible” and threatened to cut off trade over its refusal to allow the use of its bases in the conflict with Iran. Similarly, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Spain would be removed from a U.S.-led Gaza military strategy centre in Kiryat Gat, citing “hypocrisy and hostility” and accusing Spain of repeatedly opposing Israel.
Spain’s Stance on Regional Conflicts
Spain has also been vocal in its condemnation of Israel’s attacks on Lebanon, accusing the country of attempting to replicate the destruction seen in Gaza. After the latest wave of strikes, Sánchez called for the EU to suspend trade with Israel, emphasizing the need for accountability for these actions. This follows Madrid’s decision to permanently withdraw its ambassador to Tel Aviv in March, marking years of growing tensions between the two countries.
In contrast, Iran has shown signs of appreciation for Spain’s diplomatic efforts, referring to the country as “non-hostile” and even suggesting that its ships might be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under a blockade. This shift reflects the complex dynamics of international relations, where alliances and enmities can evolve rapidly.
Public Opinion and Political Sentiment
Public opinion in Spain aligns with the government’s stance. According to a recent Politico European Pulse survey, 51% of Spaniards believe that the U.S. poses a threat to Europe, the highest percentage among all surveyed countries. Additionally, 43% of Spaniards oppose the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, while 22% remain neutral. A staggering 94% of respondents agree that Europe needs to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on major powers.
This sentiment is rooted in Spain’s cultural and historical context. The country’s proximity to North Africa and its history of dealing with regional instability have made it particularly sensitive to Middle Eastern conflicts. For example, the 2004 Madrid terrorist attacks, one of the deadliest in Europe, were widely interpreted as linked to Spain’s involvement in Iraq. The aftermath of the attack led to a change in government and the withdrawal of Spanish troops from the region.
A Voice of Conscience in Europe
Experts note that Spain is not alone in its critical stance toward U.S. and Israeli policies. Countries like Ireland, Slovenia, and Norway have also taken similar positions, providing Spain with a reputational boost. While these nations are not geopolitical powerhouses, their alignment with Spain has helped reinforce the country’s role as a moral leader in Europe.
Despite the challenges, Spain continues to advocate for a more independent and morally grounded European foreign policy. As tensions persist in the Middle East and global alliances shift, the country’s approach serves as a reminder of the importance of principled diplomacy in an increasingly complex world.
