European Union Pledges to Protect Member States' Interests in Face of US Threats to Spain

Brussels, July 8 (KUNA) -- The European Commission reaffirmed on Wednesday that the European Union would continue to ensure the full protection of the interests of all member states, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to cut trade relations with Spain. Speaking to the press, European Commission spokesperson for trade Olof Gill said that the EU expects the United States to honor its commitments set out in the joint statement signed by both sides last year, stressing that Brussels had fulfilled its obligations under the agreement. Gill emphasized that “the Commission will always ensure the full protection of the EU’s interests and those of all its member states,” noting that the EU would continue to defend “stable, predictable, and mutually beneficial transatlantic trade that serves the interests of all.” He added that the EU would keep working to maintain stable trade relations with the United States based on mutual commitments and shared interests. The Commission’s stance comes after remarks by the U.S. president in which he threatened to halt trade relations with Spain, following his criticism of Madrid’s position on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and its support amid escalating developments in the Middle East. During a speech in the Turkish capital Ankara, Trump described Spain as a “bad partner” in NATO and ordered U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to take measures to cut trade relations with Madrid. (End) A.R.N. / A.M.S.