Recent crises and geopolitical trends – inflation, energy costs, supply chain pressures and changing relations with third countries - have shifted the EU’s priorities. The twin green and digital transitions are increasingly shaped by the ambition to advance European competitiveness and open strategic autonomy. Against this background, EU policymakers are also under additional pressure to finalize key legislative files before the June 2024 EU elections fundamentally alter the political landscape.
Tackling these challenges, Spain takes charge of the Presidency of the Council of the EU from July 1 until the end of 2023. In the meantime, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez faces an impending General Election.
As part of its work programme, the Spanish Presidency set out four priorities:
- Reindustrialise the EU and ensure its open strategic autonomy
- Advance in the green transition and the environmental adaptation
- Promote greater social and economic justice
- Strengthen European unity
In this report, Kekst CNC analyses each of these priorities in the context of three policy areas as Spain advances its ambition to achieve: “Europe, closer” - Competition & Industrial Policy; Energy & Sustainability; and Technology, Media and Telecommunications.
