Cohesion and an ability to act are the pillars on which we must base our joint endeavours to tackle the most important political tasks in Europe. Profound upheaval and crises around the world are posing challenges not least for us in Europe. Our support for Ukraine against Russia’s aggression shows how effective unity can be and how much it is still needed: only from a position of strength, supported by close partners, can Ukraine withstand Putin’s destructive fervour.

Europe will be a strong space for freedom and democracy if we can rely on each other completely, as is the case with Spain and Portugal. Be it in the area of defence, competitiveness, decarbonisation or migration issues, no European country can overcome the huge challenges facing us by acting alone. In all these areas, we need “more Europe”. We are united with Spain and Portugal in this joint conviction, and we are putting it into practice: we are already stepping up efforts in defence, and will continue to do so together.

While in Madrid and Lisbon, I will also be talking to my colleagues about how we can make our voice even more heard in the world. Spain and Portugal play a key role here – and not only because one in ten people in the world speak Spanish or Portuguese, but above all for cultural and political reasons. The perspectives Spain and Portugal can give us are vital if, as a united Europe, we are to help shape global developments and become stronger at transatlantic level.