Welcoming the King of Spain and the President of Portugal, EP President Roberta Metsola said: “Forty years ago, Spain and Portugal took their place in the European family, opening a chapter of freedom and opportunity that changed lives. In turn, they have helped shape Europe in lasting ways. That shared journey reminds us that Europe is always a work in progress. It was never built to stand still, and together we will keep building a Union ready for the next forty years.”

The King of Spain, Felipe VI, underlined the country’s transformation after forty years of EU membership and said that “never as in these dark times, has the idea of Europe been so necessary.” King Felipe VI affirmed that continuing to work on Europe’s defence, on the EU’s strategic autonomy, and on the reinforcement of the European pillar within the Atlantic alliance, is “cannot be postponed”. Preserving a transatlantic link based on respect and loyalty is also a must, since without it “we would be bound…