On 5-7 May, International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela (pictured) went on a mission to Madrid to meet with Spanish stakeholders with the objective to advance the EU’s Global Gateway strategy as well as to strengthen the Team Europe approach. Through a series of high-level meetings Commissioner Síkela discussed how Global Gateway promotes economic growth on a global scale and benefit the European Union as well as partner countries.
Commissioner Jozef Síkela commented, “My first visit to Spain as Commissioner could not come at a better time. Around the world the demand for stronger cooperation with Europe is growing. Spain is a core part of Team Europe, and we have agreed to deepen our cooperation and scale partnerships under the EU Global Gateway strategy. It is critical to remain united, share objectives and efforts to build transformative programmes both for Europe and partner countries.”
With the President of the Spanish Government Pedro Sanchez, Commissioner Síkela discussed stepping up the EU engagement in key regions like Latin America and West Africa, strengthening development partnerships to address the root causes of irregular immigration and preparing the ground for the Seville Summit on Financing for Development.
Commissioner Síkela also exchanged with Minister of Foreign Affairs, EU and Cooperation José Manuel Albares on how to improve cooperation between the European Commission and Member States to reinforce EU global presence.
At his meeting with Home Affairs Minister Fernando Grande- Marlaska, Commissioner Síkela discussed the root causes of irregular migration and solutions that lie in creating opportunities and perspective by investing in jobs, supporting youth, and fighting smugglers in countries like Mauritania and Senegal.
At the Fundacion Euroamerica, Commissioner Síkela explored with Spanish companies how Global Gateway can help unlocking more business opportunities in Latina America and Africa and how important it is to ensure predictable pipelines and right support to success abroad. With Secretary of State for Trade Amparo Lopez Senovilla, the discussion focused on how to use limited resources strategically with better coordination, smart financial tools and blending public and private finance in high-impact projects.
Background
Global Gateway is the EU’s positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.
The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.
