The Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, claimed this Wednesday in Vienna the need for Europe to take responsibility for its own security and deterrence, while continuing to be the project of peace and cooperation that it is, and without renouncing its values, according to a press release published on his department’s website.
During his participation in the annual meeting of the European Council of Foreign Relations (ECFR), moderated by its deputy director, Vessela Tcherneva, the minister shared reflections with his counterparts from Austria, Beate Meinl-Reisinger and Hungary, Anita Orban, and with the head of Swiss diplomacy, Ignazio Cassis. “If we do not defend international law, the protection of vulnerable civilians, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states; if we do not reject, under all circumstances, the idea that war can replace diplomacy and dialogue, we will lose our credibility,” said the minister.
Under the title “Europe’s Power Choice: Setting the Rules or Following the Giants”, the four ministers analyzed the keys to the changing nature of power on the international stage, and how Europeans must define their own path that serves their interests. For Albares, in the face of the complex international context, the answer is clear: more Europe to protect our citizens and preserve our values with a “genuine strategic awakening” that provides us with the right tools and necessary policies to achieve it.
In this regard, the minister reiterated the need to overcome strategic autonomy and make the leap towards true sovereignty in security, economy, digital technology, and energy, which includes greater diversification of partners and increased resilience. Albares has also advocated for the creation of a credible and integrated common EU Defense Force within NATO, the integration of the European defense industry, and the establishment of military structures and capabilities commensurate with the challenges.