By John Smith • Published: 07 May 2021 • 11:24
Spain receives billions in EU funding and loans. Image: La Moncloa
ONE of the negative aspects for Spain as part of the European Union is the fact that it generally has to abide by EU regulations concerning trade and tariffs.
This is particularly important to the Country with regards to Latin and South America where language and cultural ties give Spain an edge with trade.
For several years there have been discussions between the EU and the Mercosur Countries (which includes all of the main South American economies) but France and Germany have tended to oppose an agreement for their own reasons and the discussions are on hold.
In the meantime, China has taken the opportunity to woo many of the Latin States whilst the Union has entered into a number of trade deals with Asian Countries.
A report in Spanish National El Pais suggests that Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has written to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen urging her to unblock the situation in order to open up the continent to trade more freely with Europe and deflect Chinese influence.
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Married to Ophelia in Gibraltar in 1978, John has spent much of his life travelling on security print and minting business and visited every continent except Antarctica. Having retired several years ago, the couple moved to their house in Estepona and John became a regular news writer for the EWN Media Group taking particular interest in Finance, Gibraltar and Costa del Sol Social Scene. Currently he is acting as Editorial Consultant for the paper helping to shape its future development. Share your story with us by emailing newsdesk@euroweeklynews.com, by calling +34 951 38 61 61 or by messaging our Facebook page www.facebook.com/EuroWeeklyNews
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