Spanish foreign policy monitor: October-December 2012

In the final quarter of 2012, Spain consolidated its foreign
policy course set throughout the year and made some necessary improvements. Continuity was mainly visible in European politics, as the Spanish government flounders in the throes of the Eurozone crisis, and regarding the focus on commercial and public diplomacy, including the promotion of Brand Spain (Marca España).

While Spain’s situation in Europe continues to take its toll on the Spanish government and economy, and despite significant challenges and structural shortcomings, the country plans an ambitious overhaul of its commercial and public diplomacy. In this sense, the general tone of the government’s foreign policy continues to be markedly economic.

Yet some faits accomplis (such as the IV Cooperation Plan) and expressed intentions (like the Law on External Action) attest to Spain’s fforts. In addition, internationally a succession of events at the end of the year merits consideration: from important visits and summits to the most heated relations with neighbours, such as Gibraltar and Spain’s southern neighbourhood.