Spanish EU leadership on thin ice

Spain's political and economic instability could jeopardise its EU Council presidency, warns the conservative daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung: "Spain lacks a solid industrial footing and international competitiveness, and its education system is in a bad way. One third of Spaniards aged between 20 and 30 are unemployed. ... Yet the European treatment of delicate economic or social topics will have a positive effect back at home. For this reason Prime Minister Zapatero, who hopes that the dark clouds will disperse before his next election campaign in 2012, is counting on gaining international esteem by adopting a clear leadership role and stressing allegiances with his new 'friend' Obama. This may serve the EU and the Atlantic Alliance well. Spain's allies, however, will have to ascertain whether their interests correspond to Zapatero's on a number of controversial topics, such as the treatment of Latin American left-wing populists, the soft line on Cuba, the non-recognition of Kosovo and accelerated EU accession for Turkey and Serbia."

» more information (external link, German)
More from the press review on the subject » EU Policy, » Spain
All available articles from » Leo Wieland

» To the complete press review of Tuesday, January 5, 2010