EU Parliament Right & Far-Right Block Spain Solidarity Over Trump Threats

Brussels, Belgium – A proposal to express solidarity with Spain following trade threats from the United States has been blocked within the European Parliament, revealing divisions among major political groups. The move comes after Washington signaled potential commercial retaliation against Madrid for refusing to allow U.S. Military aircraft to leverage Spanish air bases in a potential operation against Iran.

The initiative, brought forward by the Greens/EFA group, sought a debate during the upcoming plenary session in Strasbourg focused on Declaration of the Commission: Threats of US trade sanctions against the EU, especially Spain: the urgent need for a unified response and solidarity. According to sources within the Parliament, the proposal garnered support across the political spectrum, including Renew Europe, the Socialists & Democrats (S&D), the Greens, and the Left group.

Still, the European People’s Party (EPP), the Parliament’s largest center-right grouping, allied with far-right factions to prevent the debate from taking place. Sources indicate this is not an isolated incident, with the EPP frequently aligning with ultranationalist groups – a coalition often referred to as the “Venezuela majority” – to obstruct initiatives favored by pro-European parties. The blocking of the debate, even without a binding resolution, prevented a public expression of differing views on Spain’s position.

The escalating tensions stem from U.S. President Donald Trump’s response to Spain’s decision not to authorize the use of its Morón and Rota air bases for military operations against Iran. On March 3, 2026, Trump publicly denounced Spain as a terrible ally and threatened to cut all trade with the country. The comments followed attacks by the U.S. And Israel against Iranian targets.

While the European Commission and key European leaders have privately expressed support for the Spanish government, public displays of solidarity have been muted. European Council President António Costa, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola reportedly contacted Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez to offer their backing following Trump’s threats. However, von der Leyen and Metsola, both members of the EPP, did not publicly announce these communications on social media, despite actively sharing details of other international engagements.

The Commission has been firm in its defense of Spain, with Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné, responsible for the Internal Market and Services, stating that Any trade threat directed at a Member State is, by definition, a threat against the European Union, it is a matter for the European Union. This underscores the principle that trade policy falls under the competence of the EU, not individual member states.

Prime Minister Sánchez has emerged as a vocal critic of the U.S. Actions in Iran, describing the attacks as a violation of international law and an unjustified and dangerous military intervention. This stance places him in a similar position to former French President Jacques Chirac, who strongly opposed the 2003 U.S.-led invasion of Iraq.

Sánchez’s firm opposition to the U.S. Military action appears to be driven, in part, by domestic political considerations. His Socialist party has faced challenges from corruption scandals and regional election defeats, and taking a strong stance on the international stage allows him to present himself as a defender against perceived Trumpism – a position that resonates with the Spanish public.

The situation highlights a growing rift between the U.S. And some European nations regarding the appropriate response to Iran. While the U.S. Has pursued a more assertive military approach, several European leaders have emphasized the need for de-escalation and adherence to international law. The blocking of the solidarity proposal within the European Parliament underscores the complexities of navigating these diverging perspectives and the challenges of forging a unified European response.

The implications of Trump’s trade threats extend beyond Spain. A disruption to trade relations with the EU’s fourth-largest economy could have broader economic consequences for both sides. Spain is a key member of NATO and a significant exporter within the EU, maintaining commercial ties with 195 countries, including the United States. The Spanish government maintains that any changes to the commercial relationship must respect international law and existing bilateral agreements between the EU and the U.S.

The internal divisions within the European Parliament, as demonstrated by the blocking of the solidarity proposal, raise questions about the EU’s ability to present a united front in the face of external pressure from the United States. The situation will likely be closely watched by other EU member states as they assess their own positions on the escalating tensions in the Middle East and the future of transatlantic relations.