Macron to make state visit to Spain, first since 2009

French President Emmanuel Macron will travel to Spain on a state visit at the end of September, the first state visit by a French president to Spain since 2009. The announcement was confirmed on Monday, 14 September.

Significance of the visit

France and Spain are the two largest continental EU member states by population and economic weight. Closer coordination between Paris and Madrid has been a strategic priority for both governments as Europe navigates a period of heightened security challenges, debate over European defence autonomy, and energy transition pressures.

Diplomatic context

The visit comes as Macron has sought to expand France's diplomatic leadership within the EU, particularly on defence spending coordination and support for Ukraine. Spain under Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also been active in European diplomatic forums. The state visit format signals a deliberate elevation of bilateral ties beyond routine summits.

Background

The last state visit by a French president to Spain was by Nicolas Sarkozy in 2009. State visits are the highest form of diplomatic exchange between two countries and typically include formal ceremonies, joint press conferences and the signing of bilateral agreements.