Dialogue with Javier Solana on Europe’s role in today’s geopolitics

Last Friday, April 24, the CEI hosted a dialogue with Javier Solana, former Secretary General of NATO, former EU High Representative, and former Minister of Foreign Affairs, to reflect on Europe’s role in today’s geopolitical landscape. The event was held on the 40th anniversary of Spain’s accession to the European Union.

The session began with a brief introduction by Joaquim Llimona, director of the CEI, and was moderated by Jordi Xuclà, president of the Catalan Council of the European Movement. The dialogue also featured contributions from Javi López, Vice-President of the European Parliament, and Dolors Camats, director of the Catalunya Europa Foundation.

During the conversation, Solana emphasized that both Spain and the European Union are going through a period of transition marked by uncertainty, moving toward a “post-liberal” international order. In this context, he stressed the need to strengthen the EU’s role by drawing on recommendations such as those in the LETA and Draghi reports, aimed at improving European competitiveness.

He also highlighted the importance of diversifying strategic alliances, strengthening relations with countries such as Canada and New Zealand, as well as with Latin America, citing the agreement with MERCOSUR as an example. Regarding the United Kingdom, he noted that in a post-Brexit scenario, a future rapprochement with the EU cannot be ruled out, while advocating in the meantime for pragmatism and cooperation in areas such as security.

The event also served to recognize his career, with the presentation of the European Order of Merit.

CEI expresses its gratitude for the support of the Catalan Council of the European Movement, the Catalunya Europa Foundation, and the European Parliament Office in Barcelona, as well as the participation of all attendees, who contributed to the success of the session.