The ministers stated that successfully exiting the crisis would depend ¨largely on Spain´s ability to project an image as a politically stable, legally secure, and inviting country.¨
The ministers said Spain should draw from its firm European background to ¨contribute ideas and political support to initiatives aimed at improving the European Union and, specifically, the Economic and Monetary Union and the single market, thus institutionalizing the European economic and social model.¨
The eleven signatories noted that Spain is the only European country that currently has simultaneous diplomatic ties with both Latin Americaand the Arab world. Therefore,Spain is in a unique position to take advantage of the business opportunities accompanying these political ties. Fixing their attention on other windows of opportunity for Spanish foreign policy, the ministers also discussed the United States, Africa, and certain countries in Asia.
Amongst Spain´s economic and political assets, one could note the crown, armed forces, large commercial presence and proactive policies regarding cooperation and development. Furthermore, Spain also exerts tremendous soft power through its significant cultural presence, as demonstrated by the Instituto Cervantes and its excellent sports.
The signatories proposed a change in law that would better enable Spanish diplomacy to handle the challenges it faces today.
“Ultimately,” they concluded, “Spain´s role in the world depends on how we resolve our internal challenges, beginning with the economic ones. Moreover, we believe that to be influential beyond our borders, we must be strong internally.”
