The Spanish capital hosted this Monday one of the most desired events on the institutional calendar. The Teatro Real de Madrid was the venue for the Forum Europa 2025 Award ceremony, an event that brought together authorities, diplomats, and figures from national and international politics.
The monarch presided over the ceremony as part of the 25th anniversary of Nueva Economía Fórum. Among the attendees were the president of the Senate, the president of the European Parliament, government ministers, and opposition leaders.
An event with a marked European character
The ceremony opened with a musical performance that added solemnity to the gathering. The atmosphere was celebratory, but also reflective, given a complex international context. The presentation of the award to the president of the European Council, Antonio Costa, reinforced that message.
The area around the Teatro Real was filled with onlookers and tourists seeking to capture a historic moment. Inside, the audience listened alertly to each speech. The presence of Spanish and European institutional representatives underscored the significance of the event.
The president of Nueva Economía Fórum highlighted the importance of keeping a space for open and plural dialogue. He recalled that, after 25 years, the organization has established itself as a reference forum. His speech served as a prelude to the most desired words of the day.
The message that moved Europe
King Felipe VI took the floor with a speech that quickly captured everyone's attention. He recalled the founding values of the European Union and emphasized the need to keep unity in times of uncertainty. His defense of democracy and the rule of law became the central axis of his words.
The monarch insisted that "we can't go backward, lose that heritage, surrender to the evidence of a historic watershed that would undo everything we've achieved." He invited reflection on the risks of taking democratic principles for granted. He also warned of the threats that, from different fronts, question the essence of the European project.
With a firm voice, Felipe VI stressed: "We must keep building Europe, because European construction defines us, drives us, strengthens us." The applause was immediate and prolonged. Many attendees agreed that it was one of the most moving speeches of his recent reign.
Recognition with international projection
The king linked his message to the central reason for the ceremony: the presentation of the Forum Europa 2025 Award. Antonio Costa, president of the European Council, received the award in recognition of his political career and his commitment to community values. In his words, Felipe VI described him as a convinced Europeanist and a great friend of Spain.
The event also featured the participation of Josep Borrell, former high representative of the EU, and the president of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola. The presence of high-ranking national and international officials reinforced the symbolic dimension of the event. Everything indicated that this was not just another protocol event, but a moment full of political messages.
Felipe VI concluded his speech with a direct call: "Let's stay united, let's move forward." The phrase was interpreted as a warning to those who question the European project. With it, the king sealed a speech that, according to many analysts, will become part of the recent milestones of his reign.