Maria Margarete Gosse (Munich, 1962) has been ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Spain since August 2022. Ms. Gosse, who was consul in Barcelona between 1996 and 1999, knows Spain well. La Vanguardia interviewed the German ambassador yesterday in Madrid to find out her opinion on bilateral relations and the stage that is opening with the new Spanish legislature.
What are the most important points on the bilateral agenda now?
First of all, I must say that during the last four years Germany and Spain have worked very well. We are also working well during the six-month Spanish presidency of the European Union. Main topics: Ukraine, in the foreground. The enlargement of the European Union, with the reforms that must accompany it. We will need the efforts of all those who have such pro-European visions as Spain and Germany.
Despite this, the Spanish presidency has been overshadowed by the general elections in July and the exhausting negotiations for the formation of the Government.
We can only say that progress has been made in important matters. For example, in immigration policy. Progress is also being made in the construction of the Union’s new financial framework. Progress has also been made in the design of the electricity market. We are talking about large-scale affairs. It is a very professional presidency.
He just mentioned the war in Ukraine. When the Russian invasion began, the energy alarm went off. Gas and oil. During the autumn of 2022 there were fears of a winter of restrictions. Europe resisted. However, the problem is not solved…
…No, it’s not…
At that time, Germany was strongly betting on energy connections with the Iberian Peninsula. He supported, for example, the resumption of the Midcat gas pipeline, an idea that France did not accept, and the alternative of hydrogen was considered. Does the interest in energy connections remain?
Yes, it stays. We fully support the hydrogen transport project H2Med [future underwater driving between the ports of Barcelona and Marseille]. It is a very important project for Germany and all of Central Europe. On October 18, an important agreement was signed between the German gas operator OGE and operators from France, Spain and Portugal, including the company Enagas. Germany continues to support the project, without a doubt.
Is Germany still interested in improving relations with the countries of North Africa, especially with Morocco and Algeria?
Yes, this interest remains. We had a critical period with Morocco, which is in the process of normalization and rapprochement. Germany’s relationship with Morocco has a lot of potential. We have also made progress with Algeria, for example, we have boosted the Algeria-Italy-Austria-Germany energy corridor.
The energy problem gained maximum prominence with the war in Ukraine, but now there are two wars that affect and concern Europe: the one in Ukraine and the one in Gaza. And the war in Gaza also concerns the countries of North Africa.
Let’s go to Pams. Indeed, there are two crises, there are two wars that affect Europe differently. Russia’s aggression against Ukraine takes place on European territory. It is a war that takes place on the European border. It’s very close. It is very directly incumbent upon us. Therefore, let’s not fall into the trap of not paying attention to Ukraine to look only at the Middle East. Russia must not win the war in Ukraine.
Are you talking about distraction?
We can’t be distracted, exactly. I believe that European politics and European public opinion must be able to deal with two crises simultaneously. Unfortunately, we cannot choose one or the other. Both are important for Europe. Germany continues to support Ukraine. The European Union, as a whole, will also do so. Also Spain. Finally, it will be up to the Ukrainians to say at what point they see a possibility of getting out of the war and ending it. Until that point is reached, we will support Ukraine in its efforts to regain its territorial integrity.
Gaza. Faced with the Gaza war, Europe is not as united as it is in Ukraine.
If the Gaza conflict succeeds in dividing Europe, the anti-democratic forces will have won. I must make one thing very clear. In Germany, the greatest crime in human history was committed, the genocide against the Jewish people, which almost exterminated the Jews. Six million people killed. For this serious historical reason, the security of Israel is for Germany a State reason. We support Israel’s right to defend itself against Hamas, an Islamist terrorist organization whose goal is to destroy the State of Israel and impose a caliphate. This does not mean that we do not take into account the enormous suffering, a consequence of the attack by Hamas. We are doing our best to alleviate this situation. We have doubled our humanitarian aid, to 161 million euros, and if necessary we will increase it again. But we cannot allow the rise of anti-Semitism in Europe. There is no justification for anti-Semitism. none We are seeing attacks on Jewish people and Jewish institutions, also in Germany, which we cannot accept.
Spain is mostly pro-Palestinian. Do you think there is anti-Semitism in Spain?
I think this is happening all over Europe, unfortunately.
Finally, I would like to ask you about the Spanish political situation.
Well… (pause). We diplomats don’t usually comment much on domestic politics. I can only say that we worked very well with the Government of Spain during the previous legislature and I hope that this new legislature will continue in the same way. I think it will be so.
Allow me one last question. Do you see democracy in danger in Spain?
I think that what is being done in Spain is within the Constitution.
