Making Amendments

Spain

Palacio de la Moncloa
30 December 2024

Christmas holidays were underway in the Kingdom of Spain, with President Alberto Núñez Feijóo and his family ready to leave towards Galicia, his home, for New Year's Eve. Politicians began their Festive holidays last week, when the President chaired the last Council of Ministers meeting of 2024. Nevertheless, the weekend had been shaky: he made two slight changes in his Cabinet, replacing his Foreign Minister for Sebastián Rubio, and allowing the Minister of Transport, Pedro Muñoz, to leave. Mariastella Gelmini was back in the Government, and to be honest, Feijóo was glad that she was back... Pedro was not doing a great job.

Yet, if anything had changed, that was the policy taken towards the United Duchies, the main reason why he sacked Esteban González Pons, of whom Donald Tusk would take care of in the European Council. In fact, Esteban had always loved the European Union institutions, and made part of the Partido Popular's delegation to the European Progressive Alliance, led by the Speaker of the European Council. His return to Europe opened the door to a new era in Spanish-Duchian relationships, under the guardianship of the new Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation Minister, Sebastían Rubio; rumoured to be Jean-Claude Juncker, Donald Tusk and Jesús Aguilar's 'protegé'. Feijóo was also facing several news about a conspiracy to oust him for doing nothing as President -fake news, they tell him within the party-, and he needed some bombshell to revert the decreasing trend of his popularity.

Alberto was checking the papers on his office, and the new Minister for Foreign Affairs showed up on time, with a puctuality that belongs to the inhabitants of Londres. «Nervous, Sebastián?», the President asked. Rubio looked at him, smiling «Not really. I have been to many of these summits, but mostly stayed outside. This time it will be different, I guess»; said the flamboyant new Minister. Both Feijóo and Rubio did not know each other, and Feijóo was inclined to get any other rather than him to be his Minister. Why would he hire someone without any political experience at all? But then, that reccomendation letter, that encouragement coming from the omnipresent Jean-Claude Juncker... He could not say no to the man that had allowed him to become the President of Spain. He would need to deal with it.

«Have they arrived?», President Feijóo asked his Minister, who was reading some notes that he had on a small notebook. «They are on their way, Mr. President. Should not take long», answered Rubio. Both then went downstairs and waited for their guest, John Peter Key, to arrive.

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John Peter Key and Arron Scott made their way on seperate budget trains from Cair Para to Londres.They were expecting a difficult summit there was much to fix in relations and policies. They were willing to do free trade and add spain to the free movement zone but there needed to be changes to make that happen.

The main issue was obvious though the tax system of Gibraltar Strait. The tax had the potential to cripple the economy of Europe so needed something doing and they were going to bring it up. They also planned to bring up non-interference in defence ships on missions to allied states in either region in the straits .

The Prime Ministers train arrived first with Arron Scott arriving half an hour later at the station. They cleared the customs in the station to meet Spanish

Spain

«They are clearly asking for concessions and you know that, right Sebastián?», President Feijóo asked his new Foreign Minister. Rubio looked at the Spanish President, smiling: «They will, Mr. President, but we are not giving them the red carpet treatment. Historically, Spain-» said the Minister. However, he was interrupted by his boss: «Okay, I got it. No need for the history talk now», Alberto answered. While the Foreign Affairs Minister headed towards the Salón Tapiès, where the meeting would take place, Alberto Núñez Feijóo welcomed John Peter-Key at the door of the Consejo de Ministros building in the Palacio de la Moncloa. «Mr Key, welcome to Madrid! Merry Christmas».

Both then entered the building and turned into the Salón Tapiès, where the Foreign Affairs Ministers of both nations were waiting. After the press took all the pictures they needed, the room doors were closed and the summit could began: «Mr. Key, Mr. Scott, welcome to the Palacio de la Moncloa. I hope this summit is useful for both parties. I would like to begin discussing the concerns of the United Duchies, if that is not an inconvenience», said Feijóo. Meanwhile, Sebastián Rubio listened and analysed everything carefully.

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Both of the med thanked Alberto for the summit and done the pleasantries. Key responded "I hope it is a new start for both our nations and peoples too.We know the past has been difficult but we need a new era in our relations. I think you may expect what some of our concerns are. We believe the biggest obstacles to trade and prosperity or one of them is the Gibraltar tax issue, now we understand your desire to keep the waters clean and the environment in good state , we have restrictions on what goes through our canal and waters for the same reason especially in terms of emissions and dangerous cargos to the environment but a 1% or more tax on the value of goods is dangerous to the economy of Europe.

I'm sure you'll appreciate the same semi-conductor or compenents and their raw materials may pass through the Gibraltar straight multiple times as part of sub-components adding a cost of a 1% tax each time raises prices by alot of money depending on how many times that is. We don't have an issue with a fee for ships split between Hellas and your nation that is proportionate and based on emissions of the ship preferably or a minor tonnage tax on ships though emissions is most ideal .We'd like to see a change to the system reflect the actual pollution and emissions of the ships , we'd accept a heavy oil ban on any ships as we have imposed in our waters. We'd like to know what you think about these ideas for taxation and regulation instead as it seems to match your stated goals more than a tax on value of the goods on the ship disproportionately affecting the price of electronics and high value goods with lots of components.

The second concern is we have an ally in the region in Mishar. Now we have not thus far had the need to send our military ships through to support them but if they were to ask we'd need as ECON to support them as per our commitments to Mishar. We'd of course let you know the status and whats going on in such a circumstance as much as possible but in our eyes thats just supporting our ECON allies in that area just as you'd support your Telum allies in a crisis. We want to be able to support our allies when needed , say in the case of sending aid in or in the case of helping them against a national security threat just like you do with potentially passing into the Red Sea or the Gulf of Suez. We wish no ill or threat towards Telum and see no threat in Telum either. We just want to support those who are allied to us in the Mediteranean when needed. After that we can easily move onto trade and customs cooperation as we'd love to have you in our zone with Cali for passport free travel to ease journeys for our people."

Spain

Alberto listened to the concerns of the Duchian Prime Minister, which he expected to be about Gibraltar and military access to the Mediterranean. He guessed right, or well, the Foreign Affairs Minister did. While Rubio was seated, paying attention and keeping to himself the joy and celebrations of his success, Alberto now had to retort to what his advisors called "the Galician sentidiño". Sentidiño was a Galician word for not only making sense, but also doing things correctly; and he expected that his sentidiño would be enough to appease John and the Duchian Government, specially when it came to the reform of the Gibraltar tax.

The President of the Spanish Government then responded: «I indeed hope we open a new era in our relations, Mr. Key. I share that sentiment of the difficulty that our bilateral relations have had since the Adventuranza Sea redress. Nonetheless, I think it is time to leave that as a sign of our past, on a closed book that should not be opened and move forward to a new time of happiness, stability and shared prosperity.

The Gibraltar tax is a complex matter, not because of the mechanism used to apply the tax or because it is run by a completely autonomous agency which, as you may already know, is called the Gibraltar Strait Security Agency or GSSA. I am aware of the impact that the tax has in the cost of certain products from non-Mediterranean nations, including yours; and so does the Agency. They have asked me to tell you that together with a tax reduction on the United Duchies from a 3% to a 2%, you have been moved to the elder system, the traditional one to be clear. Furthermore, they do this as a sign of good will and they are open to talks on the matter.

Regardless, the complexity comes when we speak about reforming the mechanism. As you may already be aware of, yet if you are not, I am here to tell you, the Gibraltar Strait Security Agency is a joint organization - not only Spain but Hellas take care of it. Ergo, everything that the GSSA decides is the final choice of its two directors, one from each nation that makes part of the Strait of Gibraltar. If you had come here two years ago, when the GSSA relied on the Gibraltarian Parliament's decisions, we could have had spoken to the First Minister and maybe they would have agreed to change the mechanism or lower your tax even more. And I am speaking about First Minister Picardo not because he controlled the decision making process back then, rather because his party has a majority in the Gibraltarian Parliament.

Nowadays, that has changed. Now the Gibraltar Government has received those competencies from us, and alongside my Hellenic counterpart, that being the Hellenic Government; they regulate and make all decisions together. The mechanism through which the tax is sustained is codified on a Treaty - that is why the new mechanism that has been applied to the Duchies until now began as a test, and kind of remains as such. Therefore, if we were to change the way the Gibraltar tax works, we would firstly need to negotiate with our Hellenic counterparts, who may not agree to this modifications that you have brought upon me today. I hope that, after this explanation, you may understand that we can compromise to studying this proposal, but we cannot do much without Hellenic agreement. We have a nice relationship with them, I assure you, but it will take time to change anything».

The President was then given a paper by his Minister for Foreign Affairs, just before resuming his answer to John Peter-Key about ECON access to the Mediterranean. He read the paper, and then commented on the matter: «Mishar is a great ally of us both, not only ECON but Spain has got bases there, and our Mutual Defence Pact, signed in 2022, also makes us defend Mishar against any thread. We are glad to see that the United Duchies does not pose a threat to us or any of our allies and partners, and that we share a common interest in defending Mishar from outer threats. Despite that interest, I am afraid we cannot allow ECON ships through the Strait of Gibraltar at this time - not because we do not trust you, Ineland or Mishar, we do - but rather because of the other members of the pack.

The Mediterranean Sea has remained stable during critical times for our Union, and we the Mediterranean nations are committed to peace, expressed through our joint summits in the Union for the Mediterranean. We are a peaceful, stable and neighbour-friendly region, based on the principles of friendship, respect and mutual cooperation. To put it straight, Mediterranean nations are Spain's brothers and sisters. If anyone attacked Inquista, Hellas, Red Croatia, Anastocopala or Mishar, I can assure you Spain would come up on the aid of all of them without even thinking. In the case of an attack on Mishar that required ECON's intervention, the Kingdom would be up to open the Strait of Gibraltar to certain ECON ships, with conditions that would be put over the table once that happens, if that ever happens. But, for the time being... ECON ships cannot and will not enter the Mediterranean due to our concerns of raising tensions in the area.

With that said, the Kingdom of Spain wishes to discuss a free trade and travel agreement, similar to the one established with Inquista and the Duxburian Union. We do have concerns about the CCTV system: we understand the reasons why it was implemented, and believe it is a matter of national security - my deepest condolences, once again, to you and all the victims of this disgusting attacks -, albeit we would like to have some sort of explanation about how it works and how data is treated... you know, the privacy part of it», Alberto said, introducing a new topic. The President then looked at Sebastián, who smiled back at him, trying to tell his boss he had done a good job concerning the avoidance of ECON ships in the Mediterranean.

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Jonh Peter Key listened "We understand it will take time to change things given the competencies of governments and seperation of powers .As long as a review is held we are happy. In that regard for now , we'd like to see the relationship grow in trust. We also understand on the military ship front , we'd bring that up if Mishar ever asked us for assistance that way."

He listened to concerns about the cctv system "I understand concerns over privacy and can explain the way it works. To gain entry at the border or airport we take a fingerprint , facial scan and retina scan. These are things we hold on record for all Duchians and visitors. In terms of handling that data its kept on a centralised system Duchies Guard has access to , now tourists at the border have two choices they can choose to have it deleted after their trip to the Duchies which it will automatically do or give permission to have it held on record for 5 years if they plan to visit reguarly to simplify future visits , it really is up to them. While we do value the security we do balance the privacy aspect and only the government networks have access to the databases. I hope this eases concerns."

"Now onto free trade an free movement we can offer 0% tariffs today if you are willing to offer the same that is in our power as of today so that should be simple. For free movement and joint customs we'd like you to consider putting a application into the Joint European Free Travel Area(JEFTA) organisation.What this would mean in essence you'd have a huge area with no checks outside airports and ports , and you'd adopt the JEFTA visa system and computer system at borders. You'd need to toughen the external borders if you haven't done so already . Here is the specifics. The benefit to the Spanish is that it obviously makes travel easier for all while maintaining national security.It would require a vote of members in the bloc with a majority vote to win and we'd support your bid in this if you chose to apply. We'd like to know what you'd think? Otherwise we could make easier visa arrangements instead putting Spain on favoured nation list if you also do so."

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Alberto Núñez Feijóo was glad to see that Mr. Key understood his remarks concerning the Strait of Gibraltar and the military access to the Mediterranean Sea: «Review will be held internally by the Gibraltar Strait Security Agency and, concerning Mishar, Spain will always be open to hear from you or other members of ECON that considers trustworthy to assist Mishar if needed. But, as we both may agree, I hope that time never comes, as it would mean trouble not only for Mishar and us, but also for the whole of the Mediterranean nations».

The Spanish President then payed attention to the explanations given by the Duchian Prime Minister concerning the CCTV system, which cleared out many things: «The explanations have been really helpful, Mr. Key. Thank you very much for the clear and detailed description about the system, and indeed this has eased our concerns», Feijóo replied before smiling.

Finally, it was time to discuss free trade and travel: «We are ready to offer 0% tariffs, effective today. Concerning JEFTA, I believe my Foreign Affairs Minister knows the topic way better than I do, so he will make the Spanish Government remarks on the matter. Would you, Sebastián?», Feijóo inquired the new Spanish Minister.

Sebastián nodded and proceeded to talk about free travel and trade: «Prime Minister, I would like to be thankful for the suggestion you have made about the Joint European Free Travel Area. However, as we consider this, we would like to establish a free trade and free travel agreement that works as soon as possible. My Ministry has been studying several formulas to make it happen, and we believe basing it on the Euro 3 treaty might be a good, satisfying start for both of us. That way, a free trade area would be established with no barriers to trade as long as goods and companies meet national standards, a visa free arrangement for tourism and business short term visas of under 90 Days would be set up, an individual convicted of a crime in a nation may be denied entry and all companies registered shall be able to operate provided that they meet national standards, with free movement of capital applying.

In addition to this, the Spanish Government is interested in setting up student exchange programmes between us, an extradition agreement, as well as sharing intelligence on crime and terrorism threats. What would be the position of the United Duchies Government on these matters?», Rubio asked.

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Arron Scott responded "We agree to reducing barriers but we would have to have checks on goods still to check they meet JEFTA standards unless we are both members of JEFTA. We'd agree to 90 day visas and easier application processes.We would also happily allow companies access on an equal basis to local companies this would mean requiring a Duchian subsidiary following Duchian laws should they want physical premises in Duchies as is our laws. I'm sure you'll understand we have to keep it equal to what our businesses are required to do and other foreign companies in the United Duchies.Then we could perhaps move towards further unifying processes and looking at options like JEFTA later at a time of your choosing."

Spain

Sebastián Rubio replied to Arron: «We agree to those terms, which are perfectly understandable. I think we have a deal on free trade and travel then!».

The Spanish President, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, then commented again on the matters that had been left unanswered: «Mr. Key, concerning my Minister's proposal about setting up student exchange programmes between us, an extradition agreement, as well as sharing intelligence on crime and terrorism threats, would that be okay with your Government?»

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John Peter Key replied "Absolutely , we believe in common European security and student exchange programmes. We would on the topic of crime threats like to talk about how to help combat football hooliganism. You might note the many attempts of our countries independent sport regulators to combat bad fan behaviour and get intelligence on Duchian fans responsible and to warn nations about those who have had bad behaviour to fight this. Howeve at every turn UEFA have basically undermined this effort. We are wondering if there is any way you can join our fight for enforcing good behaviour of fans wherever the matches are."

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Feijóo and Rubio were feeling happy, and listened to the concerns on racist chants, which were on the surge within Spain. Both agreed that was a huge problem, and as a football fan that both were, Feijóo spoke: «I do not know if you are a great football fan, Mr. Key, but I will assume that you are, specially of that football without racist, sexist or disgusting chants from fans. Just like me, to be fair.

In any case, do you know Vinicius Junior, the famous footballer from Real Madrid? Well, when playing against Valencia CF in Mestalla, which happens to be Valencia CF's stadium, three fans made racist chants and gestures targeted at him, looking down on his skin colour. The chants were absolutely disgusting: they mimicked the moves and sounds of monkeys, screaming things like "uh, uh, uh"; what made Vinicius feel frustrated, ashamed and humilliated. These events are usually reported to the State Commission against Violence, Racism, Xenophobia and Intolerance in Sport, and additionally, the Public Prosecutor's Office, the Spanish League, the Royal Spanish Football Association and Real Madrid took this affair to court, being resolved as a prioritary matter.

UEFA has not complained about this, and the footage was obtained thanks to the videos posted in social media by other fans, as well as from the footage of the cameras that record the match, and have been banned from football stadiums for 2 years, while being sentenced to 8 months of prison. I understand UEFA's concern about private investigators or Secret Services at stadiums. Spain uses this procedure that I have explained to you and believe me when I tell you that they are effective. In case Duchian fans ever tried to perform their disgusting chants here, we would follow the same procedure, and we would report it to Duchian authorities as well, of course! We just do not want secret service agents in our territory, you know... might look a little bit weird, right?» Feijóo laughed slightly, smiling.

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"That is the plans we have presented recently though UEFA have objected to the DFA's and other agencies joint hotline run by the Commission against intolerance and hate in Sports for reporting incidents in return for a proportion of the fine given out to the fans who ae involved in such incidents and sharing of information with government authorities that issue the passports, they've also objected to the lifetime bans. Something which we believe is a reasonable precaution. We'd like support within UEFA on taking a strong stance against hooliganism and hate in sports. I believe the DFA's plan was not to send secret service agents in but private investigators like they do in the Duchies home and domestic league games."

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Feijóo was surprised that UEFA had opposed to a hotline to report hooliganism and racism from the stadiums: «I cannot believe they have done that, Mr. Key. I can assure you I will talk to the Real Federación Española de Fútbol and the President of the Sports Council to demand answers from UEFA on that affair. If we come together on reasonable things, like this hotline, I guess they will not have another choice but accept it - they owe their salaries to their members!

The Spanish Government is fully committed in the fight against hooliganism, racism and other repulsive attituted in football stadiums or sports. It is true that we do not see the need for private investigators within stadiums, but we respect the Duchian internal approach. I think the best thing to do would be pressuring UEFA on allowing the hotline assuming that private investigators will not be sent. Additionally, a meeting with UEFA's President ought to be something to consider if I were you, Mr. Key. Maybe things would improve that way!»

Alberto then looked at his agenda. With most topics being sorted out, he had still one thing left to discuss: «Prime Minister, unless you have any other topics you would like to tell me about, the Spanish Government would like to discuss Eurorail as the last topic of this productive summit. As you may already know, we settled an agreement concerning services in Saint Dominico prior to the start of operations in the line between Spain and Inimicus, via Red Croatia, Inquista, your country and North Diessen. I believe that it would be convenient to invite our friends from California, as well as from Anastocopala and Hellas, to join Eurorail, allowing for new routes. I am telling you this because I intend to invite President Harris of California to join Eurorail in our next summit, which is due. I will also inform the other signatory states of our agreement about my intentions. Do you have any objections to that?»

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Key responded positively to Eurorail expansion "Indeed we support the expansion of Eurorail so would definitely like to be in those talks. The more cars we can get off the roads and planes out of the skies the better for everyone.There would have to be checks entering JEFTA of course or pasport checks would have to remain in the stations. I hope you understand we have our commitments to any service that operates outside of the JEFTA zone to check those entries to see if they have appropiate visas or identification."

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«Checks were under our estimations, do not worry about them», Feijóo noted.

«As I see there are no more topics up for discussion, I guess it is time to call this summit to an end. Mr. Key, it has been a huge pleasure and a very productive one. I hope that the steps that we have given today mark the start of a new era in our bilateral relationship, which I expect to grow in trust and friendship. Thank you very much for coming», Feijóo concluded.