On 1 July 2023, Spain assumed the rotating presidency of the European Council (Spanish Presidency). The Spanish Presidency, which will last until 31 December 2023, sets out four priorities in its six-month program that, according to the prime minister of Spain, respond to the main concerns and demands of EU citizens.

The first priority of the Spanish Presidency is reindustrializing the European Union and guaranteeing its open strategic autonomy, i.e., capacity to act autonomously if necessary but without ruling out cooperation with other countries whenever possible. To this end, the Spanish Presidency will focus on two key strategies: 

• The promotion of dossiers that encourage the development of technologies and strategic industries (including finalization of legislative works concerning the EU’s AI Act), those that allow the diversification and expansion of EU trade relations, and those dossiers that strengthen EU supply chains.
• The proposal of a common strategy to ensure economic security and the global leadership of the European Union by 2030.

The second priority of the Spanish Presidency is transitioning to a green economy and advancing environmental adaptation. To this end, the Spanish Presidency intends to reform the electricity market and accelerate the adoption of the Fit for 55 legislative proposals (such as the gas and hydrogen package or the energy efficiency regulations). Moreover, it will promote measures regarding the reduction of waste and microplastics, the production of green fuels, and the design of sustainable products. 

The third priority focuses on the promotion of greater social and economic justice. For this purpose, the Spanish Presidency will promote the implementation of minimum and joint standards on corporate taxation and will combat tax evasion by large multinationals. In this respect, it will also revise the Multiannual Financial Framework 2021-2027 and reform the fiscal rules to achieve more transparency, overcome austerity, and finance the green and digital transition. Furthermore, it will work to increase the rights of workers, children, women suffering from violence, and people with disabilities.

The fourth and last priority of the Spanish Presidency is strengthening European unity. In this respect, it will support a further deepening of the internal market and the achievement of the banking union and the capital markets union. Moreover, it will improve some common instruments such as NextGenerationEU funds, enhance the efficiency and coordination of migration and asylum management processes, and coordinate EU member states support to Ukraine and other neighbor countries.