Madrid and Mallorca, 3-8 May

The Fundación Consejo España – EE. UU. welcomed the participants of the 2026 U.S. Young Leaders program, organized together with the United States–Spain Council (USSC), in an edition marked by transatlantic dialogue, the exchange of ideas, and the discovery of Spain from multiple perspectives.

The program began in Madrid at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, where participants were welcomed by Luis Fonseca Sánchez, Director-General for North America, Eastern Europe, Asia and the Pacific. During the meeting, they discussed Spain’s international role and the state of the transatlantic relationship.

The day continued with a meeting at the Real Instituto Elcano alongside Charles Powell, who offered the Young Leaders a broad perspective on contemporary Spain.

Later, the Board of Trustees of the Fundación welcomed them at a traditional luncheon held at Casa de América. President Josu Jon Imaz highlighted the importance of continuing to strengthen ties between Spain and the United States and encouraged participants to make the most of the experience, get to know the country better, and allow themselves to be surprised by it.

Monday concluded with a visit to the Royal Collections Gallery, where participants explored Spain’s history and cultural heritage.

Before the institutional agenda officially began, participants had an initial introduction to the Fundación team on Sunday, where they learned about Spain’s diversity and unique characteristics. They also enjoyed a guided tour of Madrid, visiting some of the city’s most emblematic landmarks and discovering part of Spanish gastronomy.

Over the following days, the U.S. Young Leaders took part in an intensive schedule of meetings and activities designed to provide a broad understanding of how Spain functions and of several of its key sectors.

At the Chamber of Commerce of Spain, they were welcomed by Jaime Montalvo, Director of International Affairs, for a conversation about the Spanish economy, its internationalization, and the institution’s work.

They also met at Garrigues with Alejandro Huertas and León Vidaller for a discussion on the Spanish legal and judicial system, held at the firm’s new headquarters in Plaza de Colón.

In addition, they exchanged experiences with members of the Spanish Public Policy Network, who reflected on the circulation of talent between Spain and the United States, and participated in a roundtable organized by Aspen Institute España entitled “The Future of the Transatlantic Relationship.” The day concluded with a cocktail reception alongside members of Fulbright Network Spain while enjoying the Madrid sunset.

Innovation and economic transformation also featured prominently in the program. At IndesIA, participants met with its Director General, Nuria Avalos Villamor, to discuss artificial intelligence and the use of big data.

They also learned about the sustainable fashion model of ECOALF and attended a luncheon with Cristina Estévez, Executive Secretary of UGT, focused on labor conditions in Spain and the role of trade unions.

The final stage of the program took place in Mallorca, where the U.S. Young Leaders were introduced to some of the key elements that define the Balearic identity: its history, natural richness, international outlook, and tourism model.

The visit began with a reception at the Ajuntament de Palma hosted by Llorenç Bauzá de Keizer, Fifth Deputy Mayor.

They later met with representatives of the Grupo Barceló to discuss the importance of tourism as one of the major economic drivers of Spain and the Balearic Islands. Raúl González, CEO for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) of Barceló Hotel Group, and Vicente Fenollar Molina, Executive Chairman of the Board of Ávoris Corporación Empresarial and CFO of Grupo Barceló, shared their perspectives on the sector.

During their stay in Palma, participants also spoke with Mallorcan journalist Adrian Bono, founder of the newsletter The Bubble, about disinformation and the current challenges facing the media. They also toured Palma’s historic center and took part in a gathering with young members of Fulbright Network Spain.

The program concluded with a visit to Petra, birthplace of Junípero Serra, a key figure in U.S. history for founding the first Catholic missions in Alta California. Later, participants learned about the work of the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar in the field of sports diplomacy and closed their time in Spain with a visit to the Coves del Drach.

Throughout the week, the program enabled the U.S. Young Leaders to gain insight into Spain from institutional, economic, social, and cultural perspectives, further strengthening the ties between both countries and fostering a new generation of leaders committed to the relationship between Spain and the United States.