The World In Progress (WIP) forum opened its first of two days in Barcelona with a call for confidence and hope in response to the uncertainty affecting Europe and the wider international order. Organized by PRISA, the publisher of EL PAÍS, the event brought together political, institutional and business leaders, as well as academics and intellectuals, to discuss the challenges facing democratic societies.
The debate addressed the impact of artificial intelligence, the rise of polarization and hate, the weakening of the global order and the spread of authoritarian ideas. Arancha González Laya, president of the forum, described Europe as being at a crossroads and as a laboratory for opposing forces. The event also paid tribute to the victims of the railway accident in Urda, Toledo, and hosted smaller high-level meetings with former Chilean finance minister Andrés Velasco and LaLiga president Javier Tebas.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez warned against the possible erosion of liberal democracy and the human values associated with the European Union. Referring to Stefan Zweig’s reflections on the disappearance of a world, Sánchez said that Europe’s future would depend on the decisions taken rather than on a predetermined fate. He also cautioned against forces seeking to weaken the Union and called for greater European unity ahead of elections in Spain, France, Italy and Poland.
The forum highlighted the war in Ukraine, the growing rivalry between the United States and China and the weakening of the international system, including the role of the United Nations. Rebeca Grynspan, candidate for UN secretary-general and head of the organization’s trade and development body, said the institution needed reforms to remain more relevant in promoting peace.
Several speakers argued that Europe must become stronger, more autonomous and more united without abandoning its founding principles. Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares supported progress towards a genuine European army capable of deterring powers such as Russia. Ángel Simón, president of Indra, linked defence and strategic autonomy, including in artificial intelligence, to citizens’ welfare.
At the same time, the speakers stressed that European citizens are primarily concerned with the cost of living, public services and access to housing. Barcelona mayor Jaume Collboni said the future of democracy depended on social cohesion and a shared project able to turn uncertainty into confidence and hope. Catalan president Salvador Illa called on governments to provide security and warned against the false promises of totalitarian movements.
The forum also examined the rise of the far right, the growing use of economic pressure as a weapon and the effects of what was described as hard-power diplomacy. In this context, Europe’s relationship with Latin America emerged as a strategic priority, particularly amid tensions with the administration of Donald Trump. Speakers argued that the trade agreement with Mercosur should be followed by deeper cooperation. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said a free-trade area between the two regions would send a powerful political message and encouraged further Latin American integration.
Economic growth, immigration and upcoming elections were also part of the discussion. Former French prime minister Édouard Philippe warned that a victory by Marine Le Pen would undermine partners’ confidence, while former Italian prime minister Matteo Renzi called for a return to the hopeful and vital spirit associated with the founders of the European project.
Sources: El País Internacional.