The latest developments could, however, have a considerable economic impact. With 18 billion euros in assets in Argentina, Spain is the second-largest foreign investor in the country, meaning a lasting divide would likely harm the country’s already delicate financial situation.
Sánchez has hinted he would seek to raise the conflict in Brussels, but it is unclear whether the EU could offer anything other than a boilerplate condemnation of Milei’s comments. This is exactly what the bloc’s head of diplomacy, Josep Borrell, did this weekend, declaring that “attacks on family members of political leaders have no place in our culture: we We condemn and reject them, especially when they come from partners.”
Milei, meanwhile, appears determined to strengthen his ties with Europe’s far-right populist leaders, whom he sees as an additional base of support.
“My trip to Spain showed that I am the greatest defender of freedom in the world,” he boasted on Monday. “I’m in a different league.”
Milei and his allies on the continent appear aligned on a key trade deal between the EU and the South American bloc of Mercosur countries: they see the EU’s demands to seal the deal, particularly on sustainability, as untenable. Spain is traditionally Mercosur’s main ally under this agreement.
During a recent visit to Brussels, Diana Mondino, Argentina’s foreign minister, stressed that concluding the long-awaited deal was a priority, but also made clear that Buenos Aires would look for trading partners elsewhere if both sides could not agree on the agreement.
While some European far-right parties oppose the deal entirely, others agree with Milei that the EU is simply asking for too much.
With support for populist parties expected to increase in the upcoming European Parliament elections, Milei could possibly take his roadshow to Brussels. Which European leader will he then target?
Camille Gijs and Antonia Zimmermann contributed to this report.
News Source : www.politico.eu
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