Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has warned that Europe and the West’s double standards regarding the wars in Ukraine and Gaza risk damaging their global reputation. He described the international response to Israel’s assault on Gaza as one of the darkest moments in 21st-century international relations.
In an interview with The Guardian ahead of talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, the socialist leader also stated that the US under Donald Trump is attempting to dismantle the rules-based global order it helped establish after World War II.
Sánchez defended the positive impact of migration and criticized traditional right-wing parties for abandoning consensus on climate action by adopting the policies of populist rivals.
As the first major European leader to accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, Sánchez expressed satisfaction that other European countries are following Spain’s lead in recognizing a Palestinian state. However, he acknowledged that Europe’s overall response has been inadequate.
“It is a failure, absolutely,” he said. “Within the European Union, countries are divided on how to influence Israel. But in my opinion, this is unacceptable. If we want to maintain credibility in other crises, like Ukraine, we cannot continue like this. The roots of these wars are different, but the world is watching and asking why there are double standards between Ukraine and Gaza.”
Speaking as he seeks to reestablish his international presence amid corruption allegations that have shaken his government and fueled calls for an early election, Sánchez said he is pushing Europe to take stronger action, including imposing financial penalties on Israel.
“What we’re witnessing in Gaza may be one of the darkest episodes in 21st-century international relations,” he said. “Spain has been vocal within the EU and internationally, advocating to suspend the EU’s strategic partnership with Israel.”
Sánchez, who has clashed with Trump over Spain’s refusal to meet US demands to spend 5% of GDP on defense, emphasized that Spain remains a reliable NATO partner. He expressed a commitment to maintaining strong ties with the US, regardless of who is in the White House, despite Trump’s isolationist policies.
“With all due respect, we take a pragmatic approach to our relationship with the US,” he said. “At the same time, we have different views on how to address global challenges. I believe it’s a mistake to withdraw from the Paris Agreement and cut funding for aid programs and the WHO. Ultimately, our societies face borderless challenges, and we must strengthen cooperation.”
Sánchez added that the US, under Trump, is weakening the post-war international order, which he believes will harm both American society and the rest of the world. He also noted that the US stepping back from global institutions could create opportunities for other nations to take on larger international roles.
“The most shocking reality we face is that the principal architect of the international order—the US after World War II—is now undermining it,” he said.The international order established after World War II is now weakening, which will have negative consequences for the United States and the rest of the world, particularly Western nations. This situation, however, presents an opportunity for the European Union and the United Kingdom.
While remaining committed to the transatlantic alliance, European countries can increase their power and influence by acting with moral consistency. This means avoiding double standards, reinforcing commitments to environmental agreements like the Green Pact, and adopting both a humanitarian and pragmatic approach to migration.
In politics, as in life, when a void is left, someone will fill it. This is what we are seeing with some East Asian countries stepping into gaps left by others.
A significant bilateral summit between the UK and Spain is taking place in London, the first in over a decade. This meeting was made possible by an agreement on Gibraltar’s future, resolving a long-standing dispute post-Brexit and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods across the border.
While the UK’s Labour government has taken a stricter stance on immigration, Spain’s Prime Minister Sánchez has emphasized the benefits migration can bring. He framed the choice for Western societies as one between openness and growth, or isolation and decline. He believes most Spaniards see migration not just as a moral duty but as an opportunity—supporting economic growth, addressing labor market needs, and helping fund the welfare system.
Sánchez also warned that right-wing politicians are adopting far-right narratives, turning climate change from a scientific issue into an ideological battle. While the far right outright denies the climate emergency, mainstream conservative parties often act as if it doesn’t exist, which he sees as a serious mistake. This is a challenge Spain is currently facing.
His comments came after the UK Conservative party announced plans to maximize extraction of fossil fuels.If it wins power, the far-right party plans to increase oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, adopting a slogan similar to Trump’s “drill, baby, drill.”
Sánchez, whose party, government, and family have been hit by a series of damaging corruption allegations in recent months—threatening his minority government—stated that he is dedicated to fighting corruption and promoting transparency.
When asked whether he still had confidence in Spain’s justice system, given his claim that his wife is the target of a smear campaign by right-wing and far-right judges, he replied: “The vast majority of judges in Spain carry out their duties properly. However, some judges are engaging in politics, and that’s a reality we’re confronting not just in Spain, but in many democracies—especially when it comes to progressive movements or governments.”
Sánchez emphasized that his minority government has been effective both economically and socially and will continue on this path. “Of course, these corruption scandals have been hard to accept, but our political project is bigger than that. The most important message I want to convey to citizens is that the direction we set for the country seven years ago is the right one, and it’s not just an abstract idea,” he said.
He argued that opposition parties offer no real alternative, only “a step backward,” adding: “What we’re seeing in Spain is the political collapse of traditional parties—not just in substance, but also in style, as they imitate the far right.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about Pedro Sánchez and his views on Europes handling of the war in Gaza presented in a clear and natural tone
General Beginner Questions
1 Who is Pedro Sánchez
Pedro Sánchez is the Prime Minister of Spain and the leader of the Spanish Socialist Workers Party
2 What did he say about the war in Gaza
He has been highly critical stating that Europes response has been a failure and calling for a more decisive stance including the formal recognition of a Palestinian state
3 Why is he saying Europes response is a failure
He believes the European Union has been too slow divided and inconsistent in its actions failing to effectively push for a permanent ceasefire and a political solution to the conflict
4 What does he want Europe to do differently
He wants a unified European position that strongly advocates for a twostate solution immediately recognizes Palestine as a state and applies more pressure to ensure international humanitarian law is respected
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 How does his position differ from other European leaders
His position is more forthright and critical of Israels military actions compared to many EU counterparts like Germany who emphasize Israels right to selfdefense He aligns more closely with leaders in Ireland and Belgium
6 Has Spain taken any concrete actions based on his criticism
Yes In May 2024 Spain along with Ireland and Norway officially recognized the State of Palestine Sánchez has also been a vocal advocate for reviewing the EUIsrael Association Agreement based on human rights clauses
7 What is the EUIsrael Association Agreement and why does he want to review it
Its a treaty that governs trade and political relations between the EU and Israel Sánchez has suggested that its continuation should be conditional on Israel respecting international humanitarian law using it as a tool for diplomatic pressure
8 What has been the reaction to his statements within the EU
Reactions are mixed He has received praise from those who want a stronger proPalestinian stance but has also faced criticism from some member states who view his comments as unhelpful to EU unity and Israels security
9 Is this a popular stance within Spain
It has significant support from his leftwing coalition partners and a portion of the Spanish public but it is also a polarizing issue that has been criticized
