In the current European context, characterised by political uncertainty and weak economic growth, Spain is an outlier. In the last few years, its economy is showing an impressive rate of growth and its enormous unemployment rate is rapidly decreasing. Politically, after two general elections in 2015 and 2016, its minority government seems to be in a relatively good position for providing the necessary stability and pursuing deeper economic reforms.
Federico Steinberg, Senior Analyst of the Elcano Royal Institute, discussed economic and political prospects for Spain in 2017 and Spain’s new role in the EU. His presentation analysed the strengths and weaknesses of the current economic recovery, the political situation and the state of play in the Catalan issue, which is rapidly becoming the most salient political problem in Spain.
Gregory Claeys, Senior Fellow at Bruegel, acted as a discussant and the event was moderated by Tom Nuttall, Charlemagne Columnist, The Economist.
