Külügyi Szemle - A Magyar Külügyi Intézet folyóirata - 2010 (9. évfolyam)
2010 / 3. szám - TANULMÁNYOK - Szilágyi István: Spanyolország az Európai Unióban
Spanyolország az Európai Unióban Résumé Spain in the European Union Spain acceded to the European Communities in January, 1986. Joining the EC meant, among other changes, a shift in the country's position from the semi-periphery of Europe towards the developed core of the continent. Membership in the common/internal market and the European Union have fundamentally altered the international position of Spain. The isolation that had lasted for several decades was over for good. Spain, with its significant South-American interests, sway and network of contacts became a middle-sized Mediterranean power in Europe. EU membership gave Spain the chance for active European policy-shaping, influence over decision-making and better representation of its national interest. The country could take advantage of the historical opportunity: while struggling with structural problems at the beginning of the 1990s, overall it has ran a very successful course, even joining the club of the largest economies. The accession negotiations between 1977 and 1985 were held in an atmosphere of consensus-seeking and harmony. Domestically, a desire for national reconciliation and wide-ranging compromise prevailed in discussions of Spain's democratic transformation, which constituted the basis of its EC-candidacy as well. Spain has integrated its national and even regional interests among its accession and membership goals. The cooperation of two levels (national and regional) has made efficient safeguarding and representation of Spanish preferences in the EU possible. Spain is a country committed to the European project of integration. Since its accession, it has made significant efforts in various area to strengthen institutions and cooperation. For Spain, a matter of particular political emphasis is the realization of the economic and social cohesion programmes of the EU. Prior to 2007, Spain was the largest beneficiary of structural funds. After the big-bang enlargement of the EU, the new member states figure in Spanish policy planning as partners and allies today. As regards the current institutional reforms, Spain is a committed supporter of deepening in the EU. Spain today may be considered a cultural great power, and also one of the most important shapers of common policies in the EU. In consequence of deeper integration, the importance of the country in the EU is going to grow. Finally, it should be noted that Spain's exceptional track record in interest representation in the European Union holds important lessons for East Central European new member states. 2010. ősz 65
