The UElement.- Good morning, we are delighted that you are here with us today to discuss the issue of the entry of Spain into the European Union and its consequences.

Firstly, how old were you when Spain joined the European Union?

Cristina Narbona.- In 1986 I was 35 years old and i was the economy's counselor in the regional government of Andalucía. I negotiate the first loan of the European Investment Bank (EIB) destinated to the most badly affected regions in Andalucía.

 

TUE.- Do you think this integration was a good idea?

CN.- Since the end of the 70s, being professor in Sevilla's university i had been taking part of many studies about the impact of the entrance in the Common Market. My opinion is and was very positive, the entrance it has been a strong push to the modernization and progress of our country even though its negative points.

 

TUE.- What are the benefits that has provided this change?

CN.- From my point of view, one of the main advantages was the incorporation of european rules to our legal heritage who was a great advance in the society and economy.

In particular, Spain was far behind in relation to environmental needs of all types (control and pollution prevention, assessment of environmental impacts of infrastructure, preservation of natural areas ...); and Spain would surely have been slower introducing such rules if it had not been oblyed by the European Union.

Moreover, thanks to the extraordinary resources that the European Union gave, Spain has taken a giant leap in communications (motorways, AVE …)

 

TUE.- And the negatives?

CN.- Unfortunately, the relative ease of access to European funds led in many cases over-sized projects (airports and other infrastructure unjustified ..); the existence of the euro and affordable financing favored the "housing bubble" and contributed to economic growth mirage.

The most negative, in any case, has been the managing of the economic crisis by the European institutions, which have conducted serious cuts in basic policies such as health and education, as well as in regulating the labor market. This has accentuated social inequalities in Spain, has deteriorated public services and has favored job insecurity, especially in the young people.

 

TUE.- In short, what are the changes you have seen in the Spanish society produced by this entry into the European Union?

CN.- Surely, the first consequence of the accession process itself was the opening of Spain to the world, after forty years of isolation barely mitigated in the last years of Franco, and the full consolidation of democracy, something that our generation valued as the most important result in this process.

Furthermore, the existence of the single currency as well as some programs, particularly Erasmus, have favored a greater perception of "European citizenship"

 

TUE.- From your point of view, should Spain still remain part of this political community?

CN.- Spain should remain part of the European Union, but contributing to its profound reorientation increasingly urgent. It is necessary to move towards a genuine economic, social and political integration, because of the economic crisis, and now the refugee crisis has highlighted the inadequacy of  the actual European institutions

 

TUE.- Finally, if I say ‘European Union’, what is the first word that comes to your head?

CN.- An exciting but unfinished project ...

 

TUE.- Thank you very much Cristina for your time to answering our questions.