Spain seeks to reinforce unity within EU amid Trump’s territorial expansion threats

Spain is seeking to reinforce unity within the European Union (EU) amid US President-elect Donald Trump's statements about annexing new territories.

As the world braces for his January 20 inauguration, Spanish President Pedro Sánchez is aligning with EU partners and Latin American leaders to counter what he describes as an impending ultra-right wing wave, driven by both Trump and billionaire Elon Musk, Caliber.Az writes via the Spanish media outlet El Pais.

Sánchez's government is particularly concerned about Trump's recent remarks regarding the potential annexation of Greenland, a threat aimed at a NATO ally, Denmark. This marks an unprecedented challenge, signalling a shift in the US foreign policy under the leadership of a businessman-turned-politician, Trump. Spanish officials are watching closely for any concrete actions once Trump takes office, with some expressing apprehension over whether these words will translate into policies that destabilize longstanding European alliances.

"We are prepared," Sánchez declared in a recent statement, emphasizing the need for EU solidarity in response to these aggressive geopolitical postures. He added that the unity of the EU, along with its ties to Latin America, will be critical in resisting what he perceives as an ultra-right global movement. Spain, according to the president, cannot afford to be passive in the face of these external threats, which he argues seek to undermine progressive governments in Europe and beyond.

While Trump remains a powerful figure within the US, Sánchez and other European leaders are taking steps to strengthen political and economic alliances. There is growing concern that Musk, another influential player with ties to Trump, could wield his influence over European politics, including through social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), to shape political discourse. Musk’s recent criticisms of progressive leaders, such as the UK’s Keir Starmer and Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD), have not gone unnoticed in Madrid.

Sánchez’s strategy includes reinforcing his political base by focusing on the "ultra-right international" that is gaining ground not only in the US but across Europe, including Spain. With Spain facing a rising far-right party, Vox, particularly popular among the youth, the government is intensifying efforts to connect with younger generations through new communication strategies and social media platforms like TikTok.

Spain's efforts are not limited to Europe. The president is also strengthening ties with Latin America, where countries like Brazil, under President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, are positioned as key allies in the fight against Trump’s influence. Lula’s own efforts to confront the global far-right agenda, including taking action against disinformation on social media, have inspired similar discussions in Madrid, though Spain is not yet at the stage of taking drastic actions like Brazil's potential social media shutdown.

As Sánchez prepares to attend the upcoming World Economic Forum in Davos, he is expected to further solidify Spain's role in resisting the ideological push from Washington and Silicon Valley. In these uncertain times, Spain is banking on its ability to unite the EU and foster alliances with like-minded nations in Latin America to preserve its political integrity and values.

By Khagan Isayev