José Manuel Albares on Monday called on Europe to assert an independent voice in global affairs to prevent the escalation of wars and defend international law, warning that conflicts in the Middle East could threaten both regional stability and European interests.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the European Union’s Foreign Affairs Council meeting in Brussels, Albares said the continent must act decisively at a time when international tensions are affecting security, economic stability and humanitarian conditions in several regions.
“Europe has to wake up at this moment when our interests, the interests and the well-being of our citizens, and our values are at stake in many scenarios around the world,” he said.
The Spanish minister emphasized that the European Union should prioritize diplomacy and negotiations rather than military escalation when addressing conflicts.
According to Albares, Europe should take a leadership role in promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions in regions facing rising tensions.
“The voice of Europe at this moment has to be an independent, sovereign voice, a voice that introduces reason, diplomacy, dialogue and negotiation where others seek war and confrontation,” he added.
His comments come amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following military confrontations involving Israel, United States and Iran, as well as ongoing hostilities affecting neighboring countries in the region.
Albares also raised concerns about the humanitarian situation in Lebanon, describing current conditions as deeply troubling.
He cited the displacement of nearly one million people and warned that a possible ground invasion by Israel into Lebanese territory could further worsen the crisis.
“The risk of a ground invasion by Israel in a sovereign country would be a huge mistake,” Albares said.
He also condemned attacks against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, describing them as violations of international humanitarian law.
According to the Spanish minister, targeting peacekeeping forces undermines international efforts to maintain stability and protect civilians in conflict zones.
Albares further warned that the broader war in the Middle East risks overshadowing the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
He said the second phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza has not yet begun and that there is still no clear roadmap for the territory’s political and humanitarian future.
At the same time, Albares said humanitarian aid deliveries into Gaza remain limited, raising concerns about the living conditions of civilians affected by the conflict.
He also pointed to ongoing tensions in the West Bank, where the expansion of Israeli settlements and incidents of violence involving settlers continue to be reported.
According to Albares, the European Union must raise its voice to promote peaceful coexistence and uphold international legal principles in the region.
The minister said the EU should work to protect both international law and the interests of European citizens, who could also be affected by the broader consequences of the conflict.
Among those consequences, he highlighted the risk of rising energy prices and the possibility of increased refugee flows toward Europe if the situation deteriorates further.
Energy markets have already been affected by tensions in the Middle East, particularly around key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global oil shipments.
Disruptions in such routes can increase fuel costs and create economic challenges for countries that rely heavily on imported energy supplies.
Albares said Europe must therefore play an active diplomatic role in preventing further escalation and encouraging dialogue between the parties involved.
He urged all sides to avoid actions that could intensify the conflict and instead focus on reducing hostilities.
“Nothing should be done that adds further tension, further escalation,” Albares said.
“What must be done is to stop the bombings, to stop the missile launches against all countries in the Middle East,” he added.
The remarks reflect Spain’s broader foreign policy approach, which emphasizes multilateral diplomacy and the role of international institutions in resolving conflicts.
As EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels to discuss the crisis and possible responses, Albares said Europe must demonstrate leadership by defending international law, promoting peace and protecting the economic and humanitarian interests of its citizens.
He concluded that a unified European voice focused on diplomacy and negotiation will be essential in addressing the growing challenges posed by conflicts in the Middle East and other regions around the world.
