Im Madrider Palacio Real: Macron in Spanien von Royals empfangen - Streit um Abkommen

French President Emmanuel Macron received a military welcome from King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia at the Palacio Real, marking the inaugural state visit of a French President to Spain since 2009. Macron was accompanied by his wife Brigitte. The Royals treated their guests to a luncheon at the Zarzuela Palace, north-west of Madrid.

A tête-à-tête between the heads of state was scheduled for later that evening. A gala dinner honoring the guests also took place. Macron and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez were set to meet on Wednesday. Together with Felipe, Macron also attended a Franco-Spanish trade and investment forum. Other events included a discussion with students on democracy, youth, and social networks, as well as visits to the European Union's Satellite Centre and the French research institute Casa de Velázquez.

However, the visit was somewhat overshadowed by an ongoing debate over a Friendship and Cooperation Agreement between the two nations. The agreement, signed by Macron and Sánchez in January 2023, remains unratified in Spain due to objections from the opposition. The conservative People's Party (PP) had voted against the accord in the lower house of parliament.

The PP also filed a case with the Constitutional Court regarding a contentious provision concerning French ministers' participation in Spanish government sessions. The court, however, unanimously confirmed the agreement's compatibility with the Spanish Constitution the previous week. The ratification process is currently under review by the Spanish Senate. It remains unclear how the PP will vote on the matter.