Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez Visits Kyiv as Spain Begins EU Presidency, Highlighting Support for Ukraine

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez initiated Spain’s term as European Union president with a swift trip to Kyiv. The visit, taking place on Saturday, emphasized the EU’s backing for Ukraine, particularly in light of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Sánchez journeyed to the capital of Ukraine by train, arriving from Poland. The Spanish administration reported that he is scheduled to address the Ukrainian parliament at 0830 GMT (4:30 a.m. EDT), and subsequently meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Both leaders are expected to hold a press conference around 1030 GMT (6:30 a.m. EDT).

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The visit was announced by Zelenskyy on Thursday during an address to European leaders at a Brussels summit. The Ukrainian President underscored the symbolic significance of the visit and the crucial role the upcoming six months will play for Europe. He urged that this is the opportune time to commence discussions for Ukraine’s EU membership.

On Friday in Brussels, Sánchez declared, “The conflict in Ukraine will stand as one of our presidency’s prime concerns, with emphasis on maintaining unity among all EU member states regarding this matter.”

This visit marks Sánchez’s third to Kyiv since Russia initiated its comprehensive invasion in February 2022.

Sánchez is expected back in Madrid by Sunday. He will meet with European Council President Charles Michel before European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and the EU commissioners’ delegation arrive on Monday.

Apart from Ukraine, Spain intends to advance several critical EU matters during its term, which concludes on December 31.

Sánchez is optimistic that the EU will conclude a divisive agreement on migration, despite the persistent disagreements within the 27-member union, particularly with Poland and Hungary.

This month, EU nations achieved a landmark agreement on asylum law reform, endorsing a plan to distribute the responsibility for unauthorized migrants entering Europe. Poland and Hungary, however, opposed the agreement.

EU legislators caution that this could be the last opportunity to resolve this issue before the EU-wide elections next year, when migration is predicted to regain prominence.

The rotating presidency occurs as Spain anticipates an early general election on July 23. Current polls suggest that Sánchez’s leftist coalition government may be supplanted by a conservative administration, potentially in coalition with far-right factions, following a trend observed across Europe.

Sánchez aims to concentrate on reestablishing intra-European supply chains to avert shortages and ensure energy sovereignty. This includes positioning Europe as a leader in artificial intelligence and digital security.

Spain also envisions a significant leap in EU-Latin America relations during the upcoming summit in Brussels on July 17-18, the first in eight years. Spain is optimistic this will usher in a robust investment agenda with Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Additionally, Spain seeks to drive EU progress on green transition and electricity market reform. The country boasts substantial expertise in this sector as it accelerates solar, wind power, and green hydrogen installations at an extraordinary pace.

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More about EU Presidency

• Pedro Sánchez Visits Kyiv
• Spain Begins EU Presidency
• Spain’s Approach to EU Presidency
• EU-Latin America Summit
• Ukraine Conflict and EU’s Role
• Spain’s Upcoming General Election