Spain » International Relations

The Spains Relations with International Community

During the General Franco’s reign, Spain was isolated from the international arena, because of the dictatorship in the country. In 1975, after the death of General Franco, efforts were made towards the establishment of a constitution, in which Spain eventually succeeded in the year 1978, when the new constitution was implemented. The first and foremost priority of the Spanish Government at that moment was to take Spain out of the isolation which has been surrounding it since the establishment of the dictatorship in the country. In order to expand its social, political and cultural ties with other European countries Spain became member of the two most powerful European organizations.

Spain became the member of NATO in 1982, which proved to be a major breakthrough towards the establishment of strong relations with other international countries in general, and the European Countries especially. The issue, Spain is most concerned about is the multilateral international security, and it has been really active in this arena.

In 1982, Spain was included in the circle of the European Union, thus making its 12th member. European Union is considered as the most prestigious organization in the world, and Spain’s association with this organization was another major step towards strengthening its ties with the international community. Spain’s Membership of the EU is still a major element of its foreign policy. Spain has been working on various issues in coordination with the European Union which is expanded even beyond the horizon of Western Europe. 

Spain’s culture is a huge collage of different civilization, and it had lent and borrowed many traits from other regions. Spain’s relation with Latin America is very old and Spain is still striving towards maintaining relationship of amity with the other Spanish speaking countries, which shares a lot of cultural traits such as religion, ethnicity, historicity etc. Other than strong cultural ties binding Spain with the Latin American region, are the trade and economical link which never have been severed on Spain’s end. Among the Latin American countries Cuba has always been the closest ally of Spain even in the days of Dictatorship.
 
North America, especially Morocco has always been Spain’s focus of attention due to long historical and cultural ties. Morocco has remained Spain’s colony for a long time, and even after the process of decolonization, Spain has been involved in the peaceful conflict resolution in Morocco.

These days, Spain is also extending a hand of friendship towards Far East nations like Vietnam, Philippines, Chine and Japan.

 

Trade and Investment with UK

Spain and UK has been enjoying a strong cultural and economic partnership since Spain’s membership of the EU countries. Today 17 million Britons visits Spain every year and around 600,000 British nationals have seeked permanent residence in Spain. Almost a decade ago Tourism was the major source of trade between the two countries, but today these trade and economic links have been expanded on many other horizons. This includes huge investment by the Spanish bank Santander in UK, or Telefonica, the giant Spanish telecom Company buying O2, the UK’s phone company.