Poland and Spain: Partnership for a Stronger Europe

The European Union of today is being significantly challenged by the ongoing economic crisis and doubts about the future of the European project. In this moment of trial, the main response of the European countries should be to create a more united and stronger Europe. Therefore, the EU needs genuine advocates of both further integration and greater solidarity amongst EU members.

Poland and Spain are perfectly suited to their roles as the most vocal defenders of a strong EU. They share the experience of democratic transitions intrinsically linked to their engagement in European integration and are the clearest examples of the benefits that come with EU membership. Their status as two of the six largest EU Member States gives them a valuable position to influence the debate on the future of the EU as well as introduce proposals for treaty changes.

The governments of Poland and Spain, elected in autumn 2011, enjoy ideal momentum to seek enhanced cooperation and are able to effectively face the challenges affecting the EU. They share an ideological affinity, and the simultaneity of their mandates gives them the necessary stability for policy planning over the next few years. Their joint commitment to a more integrated EU as a proper response to the challenges the bloc is facing could be a solid base upon which to build a pivotal bilateral partnership.

There are six fields where Poland and Spain could enhance their relations: leadership in Europe, the economy and finance, neighbourhood, migration and borders, EU global relations, and security and defence.