On the occasion of the National Day of Spain, H.E. Ms. Consuelo Femenía Guardiola, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Spain, hosted a well-attended reception at the Residence of Spain in The Hague on October 14. Ambassadors, national and international authorities, and distinguished members of the Spanish community filled the elegant rooms adorned with works by Spanish masters, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage.
In her address, Ambassador Femenía reflected on Spain’s growing diplomatic role in an increasingly complex international environment.
“This year,” she said, “we continue to witness a deterioration of international relations through a less cooperative diplomacy and, at times, a fierce use of force. In this scenario, Spain is increasing its diplomatic and political profile to show that another reality is possible. In front of today’s challenges, we must uphold our vision with a long-term perspective, and respond united — as Spaniards and as Europeans.”
Quoting His Majesty King Felipe VI’s recent speech before the United Nations General Assembly, Ambassador Femenía recalled:
“Spain is a nation with millenary roots and a clear universal vocation that has contributed decisively to shaping the history of the world. It stands at the historical origin of both globalization and international law, as well as of medieval parliamentarism and contemporary liberal democracy.”
“With the perspective that centuries give us,” the King added, “we can clearly see that our best moments come when we move forward open to, and engaged with, the world — driven by a Spanish society that is an example of commitment to human dignity and solidarity with the most disadvantaged.”
The Ambassador emphasized her firm belief in diplomacy’s transformative power:
“After more than thirty years in diplomacy, I cannot think any other way. We must remain faithful to our values of openness, plurality, and respect for others. Yet, when our wellbeing and prosperity can no longer be taken for granted, we must become stronger actors, not mere spectators. It is time for Europe’s awakening and for deeper cooperation with our partners.”
Ambassador Femenía expressed gratitude to countries that offered assistance during recent natural disasters in Spain, notably the Netherlands, which swiftly extended technical help after the devastating DANA storm in Valencia.
Addressing global crises, she reaffirmed Spain’s commitment to peace and human rights:
“When bombs fall over a territory and its people, we cannot look the other way. In the Middle East, we are witnessing a humanitarian tragedy of immense proportions. We must continue to work toward a credible peace process and the two-state solution. Spain remains steadfast in its support for Palestine to become a full member of the United Nations and in fighting impunity for atrocities.”
She also reiterated Spain’s unwavering support for Ukraine, highlighting her country’s involvement in negotiations in The Hague, including efforts to establish a register of damages and a claims commission.
Spain, she noted, remains a committed member of NATO and continues to strengthen its development cooperation and humanitarian action in line with the Foreign Action Strategy 2025–2028. The recent 4th Conference on Financing for Development held in Seville served as an important platform to mobilize support for the world’s most vulnerable nations.
The Ambassador reminded the audience that this year also marks the 50th anniversary of the end of the dictatorship in Spain and the adoption of the Spanish Constitution, milestones that symbolize the country’s democratic resilience. To commemorate this, the Embassy will organize a conference at the Clingendael Institute featuring high-level speakers, followed later by a cultural event with acclaimed film director Pedro Almodóvar.
Addressing her compatriots, Ambassador Femenía shared a heartfelt message:
“A mis conciudadanos, quiero saludaros y reconocer una vez más que sois ejemplo de solidaridad. In this changing global landscape, each of us—businesses, students, civil society, and public servants—has a role to play. As we move from an era of globalization toward one where resilience and risk diversification are essential, Spain’s strong economic performance and the achievements of our companies abroad are more strategic than ever.”
Concluding her remarks, she thanked all attendees for joining in the celebration and reaffirmed the spirit of friendship that unites both nations:
“Long live the friendship between Spain and the Netherlands!”
