Spain and Portugal marked 40 years of membership in the European Union during a formal plenary session at the European Parliament. The event featured addresses by Felipe VI, King of Spain, and Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, President of Portugal.
Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, welcomed both leaders and reflected on the significance of their countries’ accession to the EU. “Forty years ago, Spain and Portugal took their place in the European family, opening a chapter of freedom and opportunity that changed lives. In turn, they have helped shape Europe in lasting ways. That shared journey reminds us that Europe is always a work in progress. It was never built to stand still, and together we will keep building a Union ready for the next forty years,” said Metsola.
King Felipe VI spoke about Spain’s transformation over four decades as an EU member state. He emphasized current challenges facing Europe: “never as in these dark times, has the idea of Europe been so necessary.” He also stressed priorities for the future: continuing efforts on defense policy, enhancing strategic autonomy for the EU, and strengthening its role within transatlantic alliances. According to King Felipe VI, this work “cannot be postponed”. He added that maintaining a transatlantic relationship based on respect and loyalty is essential; otherwise “we would be bound to a more uncertain, more unstable and more dangerous world”.
King Felipe also expressed gratitude for international solidarity following a recent train disaster in Adamuz. Reflecting on Spain’s evolution since joining the EU, he described it as “a project of coexistence that has made us all freer, more prosperous, and even stronger”, while warning that any crisis affecting one part of the union affects all members: “our strength is our unity”.
President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa discussed how joining the EU benefited Portugal economically and politically. He highlighted cooperation among nations as crucial to addressing global issues: “There is no one today who can remake by force the division of hemispheres from the past and control their hemisphere, or solve universal problems on their own,” he stated.
He noted that European integration “has changed the history” not only for Portugal but also for Europe overall. “We have one of the largest markets in the world. We guarantee living conditions that are comparatively higher than in most states. We are a destination dreamed of by so many, from all continents,” said Rebelo de Sousa.
The Portuguese president concluded with a commitment to continued participation in European affairs: “we Portuguese will never, ever give up on Europe. Because giving up on Europe would mean, for Portugal, giving up on an essential and irreplaceable part of Portugal”.
A recording of this formal sitting is available online.
