When common values turn into empty promises the European Union risks fragmenting between what it says and what it does
Madrid September 2025 — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez received European Council President António Costa at La Moncloa with a clear mandate that the European Union must move from rhetoric to action particularly in foreign and social policy. In a meeting that touched on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza the housing crisis the green agenda and strategic trade agreements Sánchez insisted on European coherence as a prerequisite for sustaining the political legitimacy of the Union.
The backdrop of this demand is a rising perception of internal incoherence among member states. Some governments impose sanctions while others maintain commercial ties that weaken them. Speeches on solidarity are frequent while citizens continue to experience inequality in housing healthcare and climate protection. Spain caught in the middle of these contradictions pushes for a Europe that is not only a diplomatic forum but also a community of tangible commitments.
On foreign affairs Sánchez stressed that common values cannot remain empty declarations. He pointed to Ukraine and Gaza as cases where Europe must act with unity coordinating sanctions humanitarian aid diplomatic dialogue and effective international presence. In his view the credibility of the Union depends on the ability to take equal steps rather than disperse gestures that are later perceived as double standards.
On social policy Sánchez highlighted the housing crisis that affects much of the continent and the urgency of reinforcing social justice amid accelerating climate emergencies. Following the wildfires that devastated southern Europe this summer he called for joint investments in climate security green infrastructure stronger emergency systems and public measures to reduce vulnerability. For him the green agenda and social well being are inseparable since the energy transition must guarantee jobs territorial equity and protection for those at risk of exclusion.
The meeting with Costa was part of the European tour of the Council President ahead of the informal summit in Copenhagen on the first of October and the official European Council in Brussels on the twenty third and twenty fourth. Spain seeks to position itself as a bridge between those who want more ambition abroad in conflict management diplomacy and global agreements and those who demand stronger responses to social challenges at home such as housing health and environmental resilience.
Commercially Sánchez and Costa addressed agreements like Mercosur arguing that treaties must serve both corporations and citizens. Benefits should not remain in the hands of multinationals but also bring employment regional development and fair labor standards. For Spain Europe must remain open and prosperous but never predatory and the balance between free trade and economic justice is non negotiable.
The challenges are formidable. Political commitments face resistance from member states unwilling to cede sovereignty lobbying groups that demand exemptions national electoral concerns that discourage ambitious measures and limited public budgets. Climate change adds another layer of pressure with heat waves droughts and fires demanding adaptation while finances remain under strain.
At the same time the geopolitical landscape forces the Union to navigate contradictions. While presenting itself as a defender of human rights it continues negotiating strategic agreements with partners whose democratic standards are questioned. Spain insists that trade must not erode credibility and that agreements like Mercosur must integrate social environmental and democratic safeguards if the Union wishes to be perceived as principled rather than opportunistic.
Failure to achieve the coherence Sánchez demands could trigger deep consequences. Citizens may lose trust populist movements may rise stronger strategic alliances could fracture and climate and social goals may falter. On the international stage the inability of the Union to act with unity risks weakening its diplomatic weight and reducing its status compared to powers with more consolidated foreign policies.
Sánchez’s appeal to Costa is not just a diplomatic request but a historical warning. The Union stands at a crossroads where legitimacy depends on closing the gap between words and actions. Foreign and social policy can no longer move separately they must converge if Europe is to remain faithful to its promises and capable of responding to the challenges of the present time.
Detrás de cada dato hay una intención Detrás de cada silencio una estructura
Behind every piece of data there is an intention Behind every silence a structure