The meeting comes ahead of Sánchez's dinner with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and the impending announcement of new tariffs by the U.S.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez convened a meeting at the Moncloa Palace on April 2, 2025, with various ministers and representatives from major business organizations and trade unions.
The primary agenda was to discuss potential responses to the tariffs announced by U.S. President
Donald Trump, which are expected to be implemented imminently.
The meeting is part of a broader European Union strategy to formulate a cohesive response to the tariffs, which aim to impact multiple sectors within the member states.
Sánchez is scheduled to dine with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Madrid on April 3, marking the conclusion of Scholz's term as Chancellor, as Friedrich Merz is expected to succeed him.
The discussions between Sánchez and Scholz will likely focus on international political issues, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and the ramifications of the U.S. tariffs on European economies.
During the Moncloa meeting, Sánchez emphasized the need for a united European front to protect industries and labor in response to potential economic disruptions caused by the U.S. tariffs.
European leaders are exploring various national and collective measures to mitigate the adverse effects on sectors most susceptible to tariff impacts.
Furthermore, the Political landscape in Spain has seen criticism from the opposition, particularly from the People's Party (PP), which contends that Sánchez and Congress President Francina Armengol are obstructing legislative efforts aimed at curbing illegal occupation, referring to the escalation of property occupation issues as a pressing concern.
In addition, discussions surrounding social housing have gained prominence, with Podemos' Ione Belarra advocating for expedited regularization of undocumented migrants and a reevaluation of Spain’s commitments within NATO.
The Minister of Social Rights, Pablo Bustinduy, reiterated that enhancing social rights is crucial for the vitality of European democracies, arguing that poverty and inequality constitute significant threats to societal stability.
Moreover, economic proposals are emerging from multiple political factions, including the PP and Sumar, which advocate for tax reforms aimed at alleviating the fiscal burden on individuals and businesses.
The recent announcement regarding the cessation of 'Golden Visas', which provided residency through real estate investments, is also set to take effect, reflecting broader concerns over housing accessibility in major urban areas.
As the political environment evolves, stakeholders continue to engage in dialogues addressing not only immediate economic challenges posed by U.S. tariffs but also long-term social and legislative reforms aimed at addressing issues of occupation and housing crisis.