Havana, Cuba. - Spain has taken over the reins of the European Union for the current semester. Its mandate is expected to face great challenges in the middle of a gloomy scenario. 
 
The first obstacle for a country with a receding economy and soaring unemployment is to work for the economic recovery of the Old Continent. 
 
This Spanish presidency must streamline the brand-new mechanisms and enact the Lisbon Treaty. This new community framework seeks to revitalize the European Union after months of political and economic uncertainty. 
 
Since its adhesion in 1986, it is the 4th time that Spain exercises the rotating presidency of UE Council. This is the decision-making body that oversees the different European Councils of Ministers.
 
The Spanish leadership takes place right when the role of the country in charge of coordinating European policies is increasingly weaker with the new posts established by the Lisbon Treaty. They are the standing presidency of the European Council, held by Belgian Herman Goes Rompuy. The other one is the High Commissioner for Foreign Policies, namely British Catherine Asthon.  
 
Spain seeks to contribute and influence Europe with measures that, in Madrid’s view, may alleviate the current crisis. They advocate cuts in fiscal assistance to the private sector, meant to reduce the high public deficit. 
 
In the field of foreign relations, Spain intends to use its good relations in regions like Maghreb and the Near East. It expects tangible results in the settlement of the ongoing conflicts. 
 
Immigration and climate change will also have an outstanding place in its working agenda. 
 
In the case of the threat for the negative effects of climate change, the outcome of the Copenhagen Summit is a distressing background. Europe will have to do much in a very short time for the international community to regard its role and leadership as more independent and less bound to US designs. 

Translated by: Pedro A. Fanego

( 03.12.2009 10:13 AM )