Spain and Europe - a calling fulfilled
Prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (left), together with the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Durao Barroso.European Communities
Joining the EU has been the key to the extraordinary transformation that Spain has undergone in the last quarter of a century. Its entry in 1986 represented a definitive resurgence in the process of social modernisation and the opening up of the economy, which began in 1976 with the transition to democracy, and it brought a long history of international isolation to a close.
The European funds that Spain has received for social and economic cohesion since joining, total more than 211 billion euros and have contributed 0.8 % of GDP for 20 years, 300 000 jobs and around 5 275 euros per capita (some 260 euros per person per year).It could be said that this was the Marshall Plan from which Spain never benefited, and it has made the process of convergence with Europe possible.
Since joining in 1986, Spain has played an active role in the EU, contributing numerous initiatives in the economic, political and social spheres.
Its geographic location in the southwest of the European continent makes it the bridge between Europe and the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as being the gateway, for cultural and historical reasons, with the countries of Latin America.
Spain has always positioned itself among the leading group of the most pro-European countries, when it came to adopting the euro, for example, or applying the Schengen agreement. This commitment to building a strong, united and supportive Europe is a commitment shared by its citizens, who on 20 February 2005, voted by an overwhelming majority (76 %) in favour of a European constitution.
Source: Elcano Royal Institute from Bank of Spain, INE and Eurostat figures.
Prime minister, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero (left), together with the president of the European Commission, José Manuel Durao Barroso.European Communities
Joining the EU has been the key to the extraordinary transformation that Spain has undergone in the last quarter of a century. Its entry in 1986 represented a definitive resurgence in the process of social modernisation and the opening up of the economy, which began in 1976 with the transition to democracy, and it brought a long history of international isolation to a close.
The European funds that Spain has received for social and economic cohesion since joining, total more than 211 billion euros and have contributed 0.8 % of GDP for 20 years, 300 000 jobs and around 5 275 euros per capita (some 260 euros per person per year).It could be said that this was the Marshall Plan from which Spain never benefited, and it has made the process of convergence with Europe possible.
Since joining in 1986, Spain has played an active role in the EU, contributing numerous initiatives in the economic, political and social spheres.
Its geographic location in the southwest of the European continent makes it the bridge between Europe and the countries on the southern shore of the Mediterranean and North Africa, as well as being the gateway, for cultural and historical reasons, with the countries of Latin America.
Spain has always positioned itself among the leading group of the most pro-European countries, when it came to adopting the euro, for example, or applying the Schengen agreement. This commitment to building a strong, united and supportive Europe is a commitment shared by its citizens, who on 20 February 2005, voted by an overwhelming majority (76 %) in favour of a European constitution.
Source: Elcano Royal Institute from Bank of Spain, INE and Eurostat figures.
Spain in focus
Spain is one of the most pro-European countries in the EU and one of the best known by the continent's citizens thanks to being a very popular tourist destination. Spain's way of life along with its natural beauty and cultural heritage (it has the second highest number of Unesco World Heritage sites in the world) are the main attractions for visitors. One of Europe's oldest nations, Spain is a country that is very attached to its traditions and its cultural diversity, but which also has a passion for modernity.
These days, Spain has very progressive legislation on social matters, such as marriage between homosexuals, and on scientific matters, such as legislation permitting stem cell research, and it is also a pioneer in the development of renewable energy.
Spain is also at the forefront in fine arts, a field in which it has a long and rich tradition, and in gastronomy, with chefs that use innovative techniques to get the best out of the excellent local ingredients.
Finally, Hispanic culture has extensive influence, thanks to the Castilian language, which is spoken by 400 million people around the world. But there are also four other languages spoken in Spain: Catalan, Basque, Galician and Valencian.
Information about the autonomous communities
- Andalusia [1]
- Aragon [2]
- Asturias [3]
- Balearic Islands [4]
- Canary Islands [5]
- Cantabria [6]
- Castilla-La Mancha [7]
- Castilla y León [8]
- Catalonia [9]
- Ceuta [10]
- Extremadura [11]
- Galicia [12]
- La Rioja [13]
- Madrid [14]
- Melilla [15]
- Region of Murcia [16]
- Navarre [17]
- Basque Country [18]
- Community of Valencia [19]
website : http://www.eu2010.es/en/index.html [20]