Spain reinforces its commitment to the European Green Deal at High-Level Meeting

The meeting, held in the Spanish capital, underlines the Spanish government's determination to maintain the Green Deal as a fundamental pillar and an essential roadmap for the next European Commission.

Commissioner Roswall's visit to Madrid took place at a key moment, in which the European Union debated the implementation and future of the ambitious climate plan. Minister Albares, upon receiving the Commissioner, expressed Spain's support for the regulatory simplification initiatives proposed by the Commission, a point on which both leaders showed clear agreement. The conversation focused on the importance of not only maintaining established climate goals but also promoting the EU's green agenda with renewed vigor.

For the Spanish Foreign Minister, achieving climate goals is not an obstacle to economic progress, but rather a fundamental driver for economic security and strengthening the continent's industrial competitiveness. "Achieving our climate goals cost-effectively is essential for economic growth, economic security, and increased industrial competitiveness in Europe," declared Minister Albares after the meeting, emphasizing the need for a green transition that is both ambitious and pragmatic.

Commissioner Roswall, for her part, thanked the Spain's firm commitment to the European green agenda. During her remarks to the media after the meeting, she stated: “It is essential to have the support of Member States like Spain to ensure that the Green Deal remains a priority for the European Union. Their vision on the importance of resilience and a competitive circular economy is crucial for the success of our shared objectives.”

During the meeting, Albares and Roswall They also agreed on the need to strengthen the resilience of the European Union in a global context marked by growing environmental and geopolitical challenges. Both leaders stressed the importance of making the most of the opportunities offered by the green transition through international trade based on clear and fair rules. In this regard, they advocated strengthening the EU's strategic autonomy in key sectors related to sustainability and energy.

A central point of the discussion was the need to integrate effective policies to improve risk management within the EU Water Resilience StrategyBoth Minister Albares and Commissioner Roswall agreed that this strategy must enable Member States to better withstand extreme weather events, such as floods and droughts, the consequences of which have become increasingly evident and costly in recent years.

“Including robust risk management policies in the Water Resilience Strategy is a priority for Spain,” Albares stated. “We must work together at the European level to develop tools and strategies that will allow our countries to more effectively address the challenges that climate change poses to water management.”

Commissioner Roswall was receptive to Spain's proposals in this area, acknowledging the urgency of addressing the problems related to water scarcity and excess in different regions of Europe. "Water resilience is an essential component of our climate change adaptation agenda," the Commissioner stated. "Spain's experience and expertise in water resource management are invaluable for developing more effective European policies."

This high-level meeting between Minister Albares and Commissioner Roswall underscores Spain's continued commitment to leadership in climate action at the European level. Spain's strong support for the Green Deal, coupled with its emphasis on resilience and economic competitiveness linked to sustainability, positions the country as a key player in shaping the future of European Union environmental policy. The understanding shown by both leaders on crucial issues such as regulatory simplification and water risk management bodes well for close and fruitful collaboration in the coming months, at a time when the urgency of climate action becomes ever more pressing.