Spain risks losing influence in the European Union if it continues to avoid participating in strategic meetings and initiatives. This was stated by Partido Popular leader Alberto Núñez Feijóo during the European Pulse Forum 2026 in Barcelona. According to him, the country should not stand aside when key decisions are being made in Europe and cannot afford to play the role of a passive observer or a burden for its EU partners.
Feijóo noted that Spain’s refusal to attend international summits, such as the London meeting on the security of the Strait of Hormuz, raises concerns among European allies. He emphasized that if Partido Popular comes to power, Spain will be consistently present at all important venues where issues of security and the continent’s future are discussed. According to RUSSPAIN.COM, such a stance could change how the country is perceived by its partners and help restore trust in Madrid.
Challenges for Europe
Feijóo expressed concern about the increase in military conflicts worldwide and pointed out that Europe should remain a project of peace rather than become drawn into escalation. He believes that only diplomacy, restraint, and the rejection of extreme measures can maintain stability on the continent. The Partido Popular leader urged the defense of European values and warned against compromising with regimes that violate human rights, as well as accepting congratulations from terrorist organizations or dictators.
He emphasized that human rights and international law are inseparable, and attempts to seek advantage by cooperating with authoritarian regimes undermine the foundations of European policy. Feijóo also noted that amid growing instability, the West must show prudence and defend its principles against both internal and external threats.
The role of NATO and strategic autonomy
In light of recent statements by Donald Trump about a possible US withdrawal from NATO, Feijóo reiterated the alliance’s importance for the security of Europe and Spain. He believes all member states should support NATO, as threats come not only from military conflicts but also from economic wars, populism, and authoritarianism. According to him, maintaining transatlantic ties is key to regional stability.
Feijóo also pointed out that although Europe has significant economic power, it remains geopolitically vulnerable. He called on the European Union to face unpleasant truths and work to strengthen its own security and strategic autonomy. Partido Popular, he said, is ready to take responsibility for a new course and unity in Europe.
Energy and migration
A key topic of the speech was energy policy. Feijóo pledged that Spain would not repeat the mistake of phasing out nuclear energy, which led to power supply disruptions in other European countries. He advocated for the development of clean and affordable energy sources to ensure stability and prevent a crisis like the power outage of April 2025 from happening again.
On migration, Feijóo criticized the government’s plans for mass legalization of over a million undocumented migrants. He noted that such measures cause concern among European partners and could shift migration challenges onto the entire EU. According to him, the decision for mass legalization goes against the majority in the Spanish parliament and does not take into account the opinion of the wider European community.
Alberto Núñez Feijóo is a Spanish politician who has led the Partido Popular since 2022. Throughout his career, he has emphasized the importance of Spain’s integration into European structures and supported closer ties with Western allies. His positions on security, energy, and migration reflect a drive to restore Spain’s active international role and increase trust in Spanish policy among EU and NATO partners.
