PR | Spain's Congress of Deputies Declares EU Membership Irrevocable and Support for Treaty reform

Brussels-Madrid, 29 May 2026

The Union of European Federalists Spain (UEF España), the Union of European Federalists (UEF), and the Spanish Federal Council of the European Movement (CFEME) welcome the approval by the Spanish Congress of Deputies of a Resolution (Proposición No de Ley) calling on the Government of Spain to declare, with irrevocable character, Spain's membership of the European Union, and support for the federal reform of the Treaties.

On 28 May 2026, the Plenary of the Congress of Deputies approved Resolution 162/000767, ext negotiated across parliamentary groups, which instructs the Government of Spain to:

• Reaffirm and advance Spain's commitment to the European project as guarantor of democracy, the rule of law, human rights, security and economic stability;
• Declare with irrevocable character Spain's membership of the European Union;
• Support in the European Council the project for reform of the Treaties to strengthen European sovereignty and independence, endowing the Union with greater capacity to act in foreign policy, security, defence, energy, industry and the ecological, digital and social transitions, while guaranteeing social and territorial cohesion and the principle of subsidiarity;
• Promote the full development of the Treaties and the Charter of Fundamental Rights with regard to regions and peoples of the European Union;
• Work with fellow Member States towards the recognition of Basque, Galician and Catalan as official languages of the European Union.

The resolution was approved with the support of several parliamentary groups and marks the 40th anniversary of Spain's accession to the then European Communities, formalised on 12 June 1985.

A Milestone in Spain's European Vocation

UEF España, UEF and CFEME welcome this resolution as a significant political statement. Spain has consistently been one of the most pro-European societies in the Union, and this declaration consolidates that tradition at the highest level of democratic representation.

The resolution is also notable for its explicit endorsement of the reform of the EU Treaties proposed by the European Parliament in November 2023 — a proposal that has long formed part of the agenda advocated by European federalist organisations. Moving beyond unanimity rules and strengthening the Union's capacity to act in key policy areas is not a federalist aspiration alone: it is, as the resolution rightly states, a functional necessity for a Union that must remain credible and effective in an increasingly complex world.

The Role of Civil Society

Our organisations have long argued, through publications, public debate and engagement with political actors, that Spain's commitment to the European project should be stated clearly and durably — not as a mere political preference but as a foundational orientation of the Spanish state.

We are pleased that these debates have found their way into the legislative process, and we acknowledge with appreciation the initiative of the Socialist Parliamentary Group (GPS) and the other parliamentary groups that supported or contributed to the final text. This is, above all, a success of Spain's democratic institutions and of the broad pro-European consensus that underpins them.

Looking Ahead: From Parliamentary Resolution to Government Declaration

A parliamentary resolution is a powerful political signal. Its full potential, however, will be realised only when the Government of Spain acts upon it. We call on the Government to follow through on the mandate of the Congress by issuing a formal, solemn declaration of Spain's irrevocable commitment to the European Union — a step that, under the principles of international law governing unilateral declarations of States, would carry legal weight beyond the domestic political sphere.

We equally urge the Spanish Government to translate its support for Treaty reform into active, constructive engagement within the European Council, where this proposal has yet to receive the attention it deserves.

Quotes

Enrique Barón Crespo, President of the UEF España: "Forty years after accession, Spain is not merely a member of the European Union — it is one of its most committed builders. This resolution reflects that spirit and sends a clear message: Spain's place is in Europe, and that place is not up for debate."

Domenec Ruiz Devesa, President of the UEF: "We congratulate the Spanish Congress of Deputies for this forward-looking resolution. At a time when the European project needs friends who speak clearly, Spain has done so. We hope other national parliaments will follow this example in supporting the proposal to reform the Treaties"

Francisco Aldecoa , President of the CFEME: "The European Movement has worked for decades to make European integration irreversible not just in law but in the hearts and minds of citizens. This resolution is a step in that direction, and we encourage the Government to give it the fullest possible effect."

About the organisations

• UEF España (Unión de Europeístas y Federalistas de España) is the Spanish section of the Union of European Federalists, advocating for a democratic, federal and united Europe.
• UEF (Union of European Federalists) is a pan-European citizens' organisation with members across all EU Member States, working towards a federal Europe based on the rule of law, democracy and fundamental rights.
• CFEME (Consejo Federal Español del Movimiento Europeo) is the Spanish national council of the European Movement International, the oldest pro-European civil society network in Europe.

For media enquiries, please contact:

• UEF Secretariat, secretariat@federalists.eu