Bruges – King Felipe VI on Friday called for European unity and an enhanced “influence” of the bloc amid the instability and uncertainty of the international landscape. He emphasized the importance of defending the principles and values that uphold the international order and peace, advocating for “valuable contributions to collective security” and the strengthening of alliances, particularly with NATO, which he stated is crucial for Europe’s security.
“Strengthening our capabilities must take into account our alliances, especially the North Atlantic Alliance (NATO), on which Europe’s security heavily relies,” Felipe VI remarked during his address at the closing ceremony of the 2024-2025 promotion of the College of Europe in Bruges. He also discussed the situations in Ukraine and the Middle East.
“We should aim to increase our influence and speak with a more effective and recognizable voice,” he declared, cautioning that this requires Europeans to “continue making valuable contributions to collective security and to equip ourselves with the means to uphold and defend the principles that should guide the international order and peace among nations.”
He highlighted that the combined resources and armed forces of member states possess significant potential, although considerable work remains to align resources, planning capacity, command structures, and defense industries.
The King also championed the transatlantic bond as a vital “strategic framework,” asserting that it is not merely a political choice but a reflection of “our place in the world,” rooted in shared values cultivated during the tumultuous 20th century.
Honoring Jacques Delors
Felipe VI took a moment to honor former European Commission President Jacques Delors, underscoring the need for the European project amid the current “great geopolitical upheaval,” which is causing a clear erosion of multilateralism, Atlanticism, and the rules-based international order.
“We are in an era where alliances once considered unbreakable, ties thought to be indestructible, and stability perceived as unending are under threat,” he noted, highlighting the importance of the European integration project in light of the “uncertainty” permeating the present and future.
We must not ask what Europe can do for us but what we Europeans can do for Europe
Accordingly, Felipe VI urged the promotion of European citizenship, echoing Kennedy: shifting from “what can Europe do for us” to “what can we, the Europeans of the 21st century, do for Europe”; stressing that the Union “is not merely a community of rights and freedoms, but also of commitments and duties.”
“Our commitment to Europe embodies our dedication to freedom, equality, and our future. This will demand significant effort, even sacrifice, especially when so much is at stake. In our interconnected world, no nation or organization can truly aspire to autonomy, nor would it be clearly advantageous,” he stated.
“The Europe we desire and strive for is one of solidarity and free thought; a Europe that embraces challenges, fully aware of their potential consequences,” he articulated, stressing that Europe must always define itself by its commitment and the high values and principles derived from the legacy of the past 70 years.
Addressing the Middle East and Ukraine
The King addressed conflicts abroad, highlighting how instability undermines the foundations of multilateralism and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, “increasingly challenged, even by some of its strongest advocates.”
In this context, he mentioned lesser-known conflicts, such as those in sub-Saharan Africa, alongside more prominent issues, including the ongoing “brutal war devastating Palestine, following equally brutal attacks against Israel, which disregard the fundamental rules of humanitarian law.” He expressed concern over the “escalation of hostilities” between Israel and Iran.
Regarding Ukraine, Felipe VI recalled the three years of war marked by Russia’s “aggression and invasion,” condemning the “great tragedy” faced by Ukrainians and advocating for unwavering support for them. (June 20)
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