EU at ‘defining moment,’ Spanish premier says after emergency Ukraine summit

OVIEDO, Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said Monday evening that as the issue of Ukraine again comes to the fore, the EU and the multilateral order face a “defining moment” and an “inflection point.”

“We need to stop underestimating ourselves. Europe is a powerful political project and the world’s largest trading bloc. Together, we form the biggest economy in the world. We have capabilities, we have strengths, and we must continue expanding and reinforcing this great project for Europe and humanity — the EU,” Sanchez told a news conference.

His remarks followed an emergency meeting in Paris where leaders from several EU nations, EU institutions, the UK, and NATO discussed the future of Ukraine and European security amid uncertainty over the transatlantic alliance.

For the first time since the war broke out, the US is beginning direct negotiations with Russia about the future of Ukraine.

Spain’s Socialist premier welcomed the development, saying the US is “laying the groundwork” for talks “that could lead to peace.”

“But we reiterate: this cannot be a false ending,” he said. “This isn’t the first time Russia has annexed territory … this must be a lasting and just peace,” he added, likely referring to Moscow’s illegal 2014 takeover of Ukraine’s Crimea.

The Spanish premier said that any just solution must involve Ukraine and the EU. He also said it should reinforce “multilateralism, international law and national sovereignty” and lead to a stronger, more united Europe.

“Ukraine’s struggle wasn’t just for its independence and freedom — it was for the defense of a model of peace, prosperity and respect for human rights,” said Sanchez.

“Peace in Ukraine and European security are two sides of the same coin.”

Sanchez, who has led Spain for seven years, said history shows that the EU grows stronger through crises.

At the same time, he called on the bloc to be “consistent” in upholding international law and human rights.

Spain has been a strong supporter of Ukraine but has also championed international law in Gaza.

Sanchez has repeatedly criticized Western “double standards” in its approaches to Ukraine and Palestine.

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