Spain, France & Germany: The New Powers of Europe?

With the UK out, there's a space in Europe for a new country to enter the unofficial 'top 3'. In this video we outline why Spain could be the one to fill the gap; running through the leadership, policies & lack of euro-skepticism.

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[johnboss]

From a Portuguese citizen to any Spanish people who may read this.

Well done and congratulations in getting where you are now I mean this with lots of respect and sincerity.
I
hope we can pull ourselves up by our bootstraps and do as you have too.

Lots of love to my Spanish brothers and sisters!

[mattia]

Go Spain!!!! Much love to our brothers, from Italy 🇮🇹 We will reach the top!! 🇪🇺❤️

[Iglehiver]

In my opinion, another reason why there's no euro-scepticism here in Spain is that there's always been a sort of "low self esteem" syndrome in Spanish views of Europe. It's always been said that other European countries know how to manage themselves much better than we do, it's almost become a self imposed stereotype, which is why I believe that most people come to the conclusion that Spain would be lost without the EU because we would burst into chaos without the "Germans straightening us a bit".

[mangottwo]

there is a third reason too (from my perspective having lived there for three years over 20 years ago). Spaniards see the north of Europe as bringing wealth, stability and success. They have many concerns with European policy such as on their ag markets. But they see Spain alone as disastrous. This is part of the Spanish psyche. An intensely proud nation that is also intensely modest about its place in the world.

A key difference with Britain is that Spain has had a far longer time to get used to its post imperial status. The empire did not set on its empire, either, once upon a time. But there are no surviving Spaniards who remember any of this being current. As such, they are way more realistic than Brits about creating success outside the world's largest consumer market

[AliothAncalagon]

As a German I would welcome Spain to make bigger plays within the EU.
I think the Spanish people can offer a healthy counterweight to our German mentality.

[sonneh]

Spain also does well with soft power. Spanish movies and series are quite populair throughout Europe

[petervlcko]

Funny enough Spanish is second most spoken language in the world. It is quite advantage for businesses from latin countries. There are many things Spain can take advantage from, and even now is considered like very heathy country with long life expectancy, location geopolitically, industries of hi tech in mentioned Catalonia, very good developed railways and road systems, and so on

[axelfinanciero]

I am Argentine living in Spain and I guarantee you that Spain is a country with enormous potential, the people are friendly and they have a perfect geographical position, an enviable climate and resources like no other would wish. You just need to realize and put the rudder in the right direction, GO SPAIN!

[bfedezl]

As a Spaniard, you are spot on with your affirmation that Spaniards see the EU as equivalent to the functioning of democracy, values of shared diversity (one which is specially blatant within our own country) and a drive for Spain to be in its current state. We are fully identified with the idea of Europe because historically for us the EU means democracy, freedom, peace and prosperity.

We are people who identify strongly with our region, then our contry, then Europe and all those identities are compatible in most cases.

[marcosvidal]

I'm not sure Spain is interested in "emerging" like that. Spain has emerged long time ago in variables that, those countries obsessed with only one variable (GDP) have missed. This eternal economic and influence competition is absurd.

Spain is interested in life. It's a country to actually live a good, healthy, and happy life. A country interested in non-rushed friendly relations with other countries alike.
Some sufficient defense capabilities, and that's it. Leave the race and competition to others that seem obsessed with that.

[kerryburns]

My casa was built by a Spaniard who had worked as a builder in Germany.
He chose the spot like a Spaniard and built like a German.
I´ve lived in both countries, loved them both, but Spain is where I´ve hung my hat.
I may be English and a bit eccentric, but I´m included here, like never before.
Thank you Spain.

[miguelfernadez-palaciosser]

As a Spaniard, I mostly agree which what has been presented here. Our commitment to the EU is tangled to our commitment to our democracy, and most people in Spain would like a more integrated EU.

I also concurs in the capital importance of Spain (and Portugal) in the pivoting to EU politics to Africa and LATAM/Caribbean.

Finally, I would like to add the importance of Spain in some Social legislation applied in the EU, as we were one of the first countries in grant equal marriage and adoption rights in the early 2000s.

Spain has spent a lot of time cleaning and tyding at home, but the time is now to step up and take our place in the commitment to the EU Project.

[liul]

I was a child when Spain entered the EU in 1986 (EEC at the time, I think) and I remember how relieved I felt, thinking that being in the EU made it harder for the army to try a military coup like the one they did in 1981 (that was unseccesful, obviously)

[SirThomasJames]

The Spain-Latin America link is one of those advantages that Europe has to leverage if it wants to compete with powerhouses such as China or the US. Same with france-africa ties, etc.

Many see the lack of a unifying language or culture as a weak point of the EU as opposed to other world powers, but it could be and should be used as a unique strength of the bloc, if we want to compete with more unified economic powers such as China and the US.

[cyberrb]

The fact we now talk about Spain as a powerhouse is incredibly prideful for me.

[waldensmith]

Great analysis and reporting on the big 3 with a focus on Spain emerging in the EU to play a vital role and to explore integrating Africa to become economically empowered to meet their needs.

[lordgong]

Here's hoping that Spain's plans for the EU and the World at large work out

[antalito]

I’m a Hungarian living in Spain for 5 years now and I’m just so proud of this country and being part of it. I think the biggest strength of this country is its people and how mature its society is. Yes, they do have a minority of extremists but the majority of the people is very open, accepting and human rights focused. Its government is very people focused and trying to support wherever is possible, sometimes maybe even too much. Spanish people complain they have a lot of corruption but I just usually tell them about Hungary and our awful Orban and they start appreciating what they have😅 Yes, they have corruption but the politicians tend to make sure that they also take care of their citizens starting with a top notch health care system. In general, I think the values of its people and its country’s political environment what makes them such a great nation. (Excluding VOX ofc) Spain was a great nation with huge colonies yet they tend to be very humble. I lived in the UK for a few years and there I got the feeling that they feel above the rest of Europe. Spain does not have this. In general, I’m just in love with its people, culture and I’m happy they’re taking over the UK’s position as they can help to build a more people-focused, happier EU for its citizen.

[albevanhanoy]

Thank you Spain for believing in Europe! We will get through this together.

With love, your northern neighbours. 🇫🇷❤🇪🇦

[robertgwatts]

Don't forget that Spain also has an enormous renewable energy potential. New solar plants are popping up here every day. Spain will probably be Europes biggest renewable energy exporter in the near future.