Lorraine Williamson
Once seen as a bridge-builder in Brussels, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez finds himself increasingly isolated on the European stage. Once a confident voice during key EU negotiations, his recent stances on Gaza, Ukraine, and his long-standing friction with Donald Trump have left him on the margins of European diplomacy.
The shift was particularly visible at the October 2025 EU summit in Brussels, where Sánchez’s interventions drew polite attention but little support.
Gaza: Moral conviction meets political resistance
Sánchez has spoken forcefully about the crisis in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and condemning attacks on civilians. His remarks, however, have not translated into influence. Despite lobbying fellow leaders, his language on Gaza was omitted from the summit’s final declaration. European diplomats suggested that Sánchez’s moral clarity, though admired by some, risked alienating others seeking a more cautious, consensus-driven approach.
Trump’s return and diplomatic distance
Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025 has only deepened the diplomatic chill between Washington and Madrid. Throughout Trump’s first term, Sánchez positioned himself as one of Europe’s most outspoken critics of the former president’s isolationist approach and rhetoric. That history now weighs heavily on transatlantic relations.
Within Trump’s inner circle, the Spanish leader is viewed as a staunch left-wing opponent, and senior diplomats in Madrid privately admit concerns about how this dynamic could affect Spain’s influence in Washington. With the U.S. administration taking a harder line on trade, defence spending, and energy, Sánchez faces an uphill struggle to rebuild trust and maintain Spain’s seat at the table in key negotiations.
A hesitant voice on Ukraine
While many EU leaders arrived in Brussels with new pledges for Kyiv—ranging from military aid to post-war reconstruction plans—Spain’s contributions were notably muted. Sánchez reiterated his country’s support for Ukraine but announced no fresh initiatives. The silence was striking given that Spain currently holds the rotating EU Council presidency, a position traditionally used to showcase leadership on international crises.
Domestic priorities over diplomatic reach
Behind the scenes, officials in Brussels point to Sánchez’s domestic preoccupations. Spain’s turbulent political landscape—marked by fragile coalition negotiations and renewed tensions over Catalan independence—has consumed much of his attention. Diplomats say the Spanish leader’s once-frequent consultations with European counterparts have become sporadic, signalling a retreat from his earlier ambitions to shape EU policy from within.
From bridge-builder to bystander
Just two years ago, Sánchez was among Europe’s most visible centre-left leaders, often mediating between progressive and moderate blocs within the EU. Today, his visibility has waned. His strong moral positions on Gaza, reluctance to deepen commitments in Ukraine, and fraught relations with Washington have combined to reduce his influence.
As Europe navigates an increasingly volatile global order, Sánchez’s challenge is clear: regain relevance without compromising his principles. Whether he can restore his standing—or remains sidelined by both allies and adversaries—will shape not only Spain’s role in Europe, but its voice on the world stage.
Source: 20minutos.es