Spain’s King Felipe VI has spoken of the importance of unity and solidarity in the EU. He has addressed the European Parliament for the first time
Spain’s King Felipe VI has spoken of the importance of unity and solidarity in the EU.
He has addressed the European Parliament for the first time since becoming monarch in June 2014.
The speech comes after independence parties notched up a win in Catalonia’s regional elections.
“Spain and the Spanish people are, and you know this very well, European by culture and by geography, by history as well as by political vocation,” the King told parliament members during a plenary session in Strasbourg.
“It is impossible to imagine Spain without Europe and Europe without Spain.
“As a consequence, I am European because I’m Spanish.”
King Felipe added that Europe cannot stand still in an ever-changing world.
He also commented on the migrant crisis, saying EU countries are facing “difficult situations” on their borders. He said that Europe cannot let refugees down and must act together in responding to the influx.