Zoido: “La Unión Europea es un espacio único, merece la pena luchar por él”
The seminar "Andalusia, a model of neighbourhood in the European Union" organised by the Regional Government of Andalusia, through its Secretariat for External Action, and the Three Cultures Foundation in the framework of the Conference on the Future of Europe has featured several expert speakers on the subject.
One of the round tables dedicated to the European Neighbourhood Policy in the future of Europe featured Juan Ignacio Zoido Álvarez, MEP for the European People's Party; Francisco Aldecoa Luzárraga, spokesperson for Spanish Civil Society at the Conference on the Future of Europe; Diego Javier Liñán Nogueras, Professor of International Public Law and International Relations at the University of Granada; Étinne de Perier, from the European Commission Representation Office in Spain; and Eleni Marianou, Secretary General of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR). This debate was moderated by the journalist Alberto García Reyes, deputy editor of ABC Sevilla.
Zoido began the round of speeches by pointing out the importance of an event of this kind in Andalusia. The region is key in the Mediterranean neighbourhood and represents Europe's gateway to Africa. Andalusia, as well as being fully committed to the European Union, also contributes to greater understanding between its neighbours. According to the MEP, this understanding is "something we are going to need in the future", since conflicts on the EU's borders have repercussions on EU territory. "A large part of the security and migration problems originate in the countries with which we have borders", he explained.
The former interior minister listed several current challenges and conflicts that directly affect the European Union, such as the hybrid attack by Belarus against Poland, the threat posed by Russia, the new tensions in the Caucasus between Azerbaijan and Armenia or in the Balkans, the situation in Libya or the convulsive relationship between Morocco and Algeria. "We are facing a space in flames", he warned. According to Zoido, security must be the priority, and this priority is demonstrated by increasing the budget, but also "by increasing defence capabilities". "The European Union is a single space, it is worth fighting for. We have to defend our freedom", he concluded.
It was then Aldecoa's turn to speak, pointing out the "unique and innovative" character of the Future of Europe Conference. The spokesperson for Spanish Civil Society urged the promotion of partnerships with the countries of the south, as is the case with the nations of the east. "It is key that concrete proposals are established in a key place like Andalusia," he said.
Aldecoa also used his speech to promote the Conference on the Future of Europe among the public. According to the president of the Spanish Federal Council of the European Movement, the media are not reporting on this process. "The media must be fully committed to this project," he concluded.
Liñán Nogueras pointed out the problems of the neighbourhood policy, a policy that, in the words of the professor, "is not sufficiently attended to". The origin of the neighbourhood policy lacked political content, although it is now changing and shifting towards "the notion of the border". The relationship between Morocco and Andalusia is an example of good neighbourliness, but there are also several events that put the European Neighbourhood Policy to the test, such as the crisis in Ukraine, the migration crisis or the effects of the Arab Spring. Liñán Nogueras also stressed the role of the European Union in the international arena. If the European Union is not perceived as a relevant actor, other powers such as Russia, China or the United States will be able to expand their influence, Liñán said.
De Perier and Marianou concluded this dialogue. De Perier referred to the New Pact on Migration and Asylum adopted in September last year. This new agreement is based on responsibility and solidarity among European states. It also focuses on security and the fight against human trafficking. "Cooperation with neighbouring countries has increased. Each country faces specific characteristics," he said.
Marianou also highlighted Andalusia's role in the European neighbourhood. The CPMR Secretary General warned of the possibility of a new migration crisis following the events in Afghanistan, although she also referred to the current one on the Polish border. Marianou said that it was necessary to help neighbouring regions, and to work with them. "The neighbourhood should have a more political character", he said, reiterating Liñán Nogueras' statements.
