SPAIN'S and Portugal's 30th anniversary of joining the European Union saw a flood of congratulations from MEPs and heads of State yesterday – although as yet it appears UK prime minister David Cameron was not among them.
Whilst the 'talk of the town' for British expats in Spain centres on a referendum for or against a possible 'Brexit', Spain basked in praise from German Chancellor Angela Merkel, France's president François Hollande and foreign affairs minister for Italy, Sandro Gozi.
Spain and Portugal signed the treaty that would make them part of the burgeoning common market, the EEC – a precursor to today's EU – on June 12, 1985, and the two countries' connections with the rest of the continent and its vast cultural, financial and ideological differences have shaped societies in both, turning them into modern, hi-tech nations overflowing with highly-qualified and cosmopolitan residents, of whom between 10% and 13% are foreign, including other Europeans.
“Congratulations to Spain and all other Europeans,” said Germany's foreign ministry message.
“Spain has a reliable partner in Germany – we will work together for growth, employment and innovation in Europe.”
France described Spain as 'an essential partner', as it showed during the recent visit to the country by King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia where they were given the full stately treatment hitherto only accorded to Queen Elizabeth II of the UK.
“Spain has contributed greatly to building Europe via an unbreakable European commitment – today, we work together in all areas, whether it is the fight against terrorism, foreign security policies or common defence, including in Africa, but also in favour of a stronger Europe and greater solidarity in serving growth and employment,” France concluded.
Italy's European affairs minister Sandro Gozi said Spain has shown that 'Europe means democracy', since its own democratic 'career' – which started with the death of Franco and the swearing-in of the late president Adolfo Suárez a decade earlier – has been 'accompanied at every step' by Europe.
Read more at thinkSPAIN.com