Spain’s foreign minister, leading Madrid’s diplomacy as Russia-Ukraine and Gaza issues test ties and alliance cohesion.
Spain is calling for the immediate release of a Spanish-Swedish activist detained by Israel after the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla was intercepted. Israeli authorities have questioned activists for possible links to Hamas, while Greece and Turkey critique the operation amid broader Gaza concerns. The incident follows a large-scale interception of boats and participants in international waters.
European leaders are pushing back on Trump’s urging to withdraw from NATO while calling for stronger European defense. Germany faces pressure as France promotes national defense autonomy, and a recent survey shows waning trust in U.S. leadership among European publics. The debate centers on how Europe should defend itself with or without full U.S. backing.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said he would not advise his children to study or work in the United States given the current social climate, signaling growing skepticism about the US as a destination for talent. Merz says Germany still offers strong opportunities and urges a measured, national approach to foreign policy in light of U.S. volatility.
In Andaluceda, PSOE has suffered its worst regional result since the return of democracy, with 22.7% of the vote. The PP is set to govern only with Vox support, while Adelante Andaluceda has surged. The outcomes are reshaping the national electoral landscape ahead of a 2027 general election.
Russia has been applying economic and diplomatic pressure on Armenia ahead of its 7 June 2026 parliamentary election, banning or restricting imports, recalling its ambassador and warning Armenia against pursuing EU membership. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan is framing the vote as a choice between peace with Azerbaijan and a return to war while deepening ties with the EU and US.