Global Business Briefing with Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the U.S.
Spain is establishing itself as a notable contributor to the transatlantic relationship across multiple dimensions, including trade, investment, energy cooperation, and security partnerships. The country's economic progress, structural reforms, and strategic approach position it as an increasingly significant market worthy of consideration by American companies seeking European opportunities. For business leaders evaluating global expansion, Spain's evolving commercial landscape merits thoughtful assessment and engagement. The Meridian Center for Corporate Diplomacy recently facilitated a substantive dialogue with Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the United States, examining both bilateral relations and the evolving dynamics of the broader U.S.-EU economic partnership. These were the top takeaways from the program.
These Were the Top Takeaways from the Program
1. Spain: Your Next Big Business Ally
Spain is emerging as an attractive destination for U.S. businesses looking to expand in Europe. Its strategic location—serving as a gateway to both the European Union and Latin America—gives companies access to over 450 million EU consumers while maintaining strong cultural, linguistic, and trade ties with Latin American markets. Its strategic location and deep trade partnerships extend to the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, North Africa) region as well.
Spain has adopted a pro-free-trade and pro-investment stance, relaxing business regulations and increasing incentives to attract foreign businesses and investment. This approach has contributed to Spain rising to ninth globally in terms of foreign investment, according to the UNCTAD World Investment Report. The country is actively strengthening its transatlantic partnerships, making it easier for American companies to operate, invest, and grow. As global markets shift, Spain is emerging as a key player in economic and political alignment with the U.S.
2. Tariff Trouble: The Fight to Keep Trade Open
The threat of new tariffs on European goods is casting uncertainty over transatlantic trade, with business leaders sounding the alarm on potential economic fallout. If implemented, these tariffs could raise production costs, disrupt supply chains, and force companies to shift operations—hurting both American and European industries. Key sectors like pharmaceuticals, automotive, and advanced manufacturing—which rely on U.S.-EU trade flows—would be hit hardest. Beyond cost implications, there’s a bigger strategic risk—ceding economic ground to China. A trade war between the U.S. and Europe would push companies to seek alternative suppliers, with Chinese manufacturers eager to fill the gap. This could undermine efforts to strengthen Western economic alliances, shifting leverage toward global competitors instead.
3. Europe’s New Business Playbook: Less Red Tape, More Opportunity
Spain and the European Union are implementing targeted regulatory reforms to enhance the investment climate and strengthen regional economic competitiveness. The European Commission has proposed the "Simplification Omnibus," aiming to ease corporate sustainability reporting and supply chain transparency rules. This initiative seeks to reduce reporting burdens by 25%, potentially saving European companies €40 billion. Spain is strengthening its economic infrastructure and policy environment while operating within the EU's evolving regulatory framework. This development creates notable considerations for U.S. companies with European operations, particularly as the Spanish government implements targeted investment incentives and regulatory reforms. These changes prompt international businesses to reassess their European market strategies and resource deployment decisions.
4. The Green Energy Boom: A Competitive Advantage
Spain has emerged as a global leader in renewable energy, with 56 percent of its electricity generated from renewable sources in 2024. This significant shift has contributed to a nearly 20 percent reduction in wholesale electricity prices between 2021 and 2024, enhancing the country's appeal to industries that depend on affordable, sustainable power, such as AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing. The surge in renewable energy has positioned Spain as an desirable destination for data center investments, offering lower energy and land costs compared to other major European cities. This clean energy transformation not only promotes sustainability but also bolsters economic efficiency and long-term competitiveness, making Spain a compelling option for companies seeking stable, cost-effective energy solutions.
5. Security & Immigration: Spain’s Winning Formula
Spain is proving that a strategic national security plan and managed immigration can work together. Years of strategic intelligence-sharing with the U.S. and Europe have kept Spain safe from major threats, all while fostering a growing, well-integrated workforce. Unlike in the U.S., where immigration is often seen as a political battleground, Spain has embraced skilled foreign workers, particularly from Latin America and Ukraine, as a key driver of economic success. In May 2025, Spain introduced major immigration reforms reducing the required residency period for social integration (arraigo social) from three to two years. These reforms have made it easier for foreign residents to obtain and renew permits, work legally, and reunite with family members. With talent shortages affecting industries worldwide, the Spanish model offers valuable insights into workforce planning and economic resilience.
Project summary
| Global Business Briefing with Her Excellency Ángeles Moreno Bau, Ambassador of Spain to the U.S. | |
|---|---|
| Impact Areas: | Business and Trade |
| Program Areas: | Corporate Diplomacy |
