As a result of the pandemic, we find ourselves in a context where conducting conventional foreign policy is challenging. However, Spain is committed to a deep and honest ambition for social, economic, and environmental improvement, adopting a neutral stance. To achieve this, five key pillars have been designed to support Spanish foreign policy:

– Strengthening democracy, the rule of law, and the promotion and defense of human rights.
– Encouraging regional integration and the multilateral order.
– Boosting the Spanish economy.
– Developing sustainable policies within the common framework of meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and combating climate change.
– Universalizing essential tools for digitalization, one of the key challenges of the 21st century.

Additionally, Cristina Gallach emphasized that foreign relations should not be a zero-sum game. Relationships cultivated with certain countries should not be harmed in favor of other strategic partners. The international management of COVID-19 has highlighted the need for coordination and multilateral cooperation, particularly among European Union countries.

Aranzazu Álvarez