Today, the President of the Government of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, takes stock of the Spanish Council Presidency in the plenary of the European Parliament. Over the past six months, the Presidency of the Council of the EU has worked relentlessly to advance and conclude crucial legislation by building consensus among EU governments and between EU institutions, such as the Nature Restoration Law, the fight against violence against women, preventing and combating human trafficking, workers’ rights, or migration and asylum. 

The leader of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament, Iratxe García, said:

“I am proud of the track record of the Spanish Presidency. Our socialist family continues to set the pace and delivers to make people’s lives better.  

“The Spanish Presidency has demonstrated its commitment to the ecological transition by initiating the reform of the electricity market. This reform includes our key progressive proposals: ensuring consumers’ protection; prohibiting disconnections of vulnerable customers or those at risk of poverty; and consolidating new rights such as the right to share renewable energy. A breakthrough on the crucial Nature Restoration Law - which aims at restoring the good health of our ecosystems - is one of the key pillars of the Green Deal to protect the planet and the people.

“Relations with our crucial strategic partner Latin America have regained a new impetus under the leadership of Spain. Last July, the first EU-CELAC Summit took place where partners from both sides of the Atlantic renewed their commitment based on common values and shared interests.

“Digitalisation is one of the main challenges of our time. While it is true that Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance creativity, it can also create the spread of fake news that can endanger our democratic debates. This is why we are proud that, under the Spanish Presidency, we adopted the world’s first Artificial Intelligence law. Thanks to the S&Ds’ leadership, we have shown that it is possible to stimulate innovation while taking care of people’s wellbeing.

“Populist, Eurosceptic and far-right movements keep advancing in Europe. In this context, the Spanish Presidency has brought the progressive and pro-European impulse that our Union needs. Our strength lies in our unity. Once again, we have shown that by working together and with a pro-European agenda, we can move things forward. Adelante!”