Unites States – Spain Forum

The Fundación’s main activity is organizing, in conjunction with the United States Spain Council, the United States – Spain Forum, an important annual meeting held alternately in each country, bringing the members of the two organizations together with public and private sector leaders and experts to discuss economic, technological, political and cultural issues of common interest.

With topics encompassing transatlantic relationships, defense and cybersecurity cooperation, developing the cities of the future, the clean energy transition, and our countries’ shared history and culture, the Forum provides a platform for sharing views on fundamental issues on the bilateral agenda. The Forum ultimately serves to foster institutional, business, and academic cooperation between Spain and the United States.

“With our aligned principles and interests, it is imperative that our countries reflect together —with solidarity and steadfastness—on the major challenges of the world we live in. These reflections must then be translated into actions. Only in this way will we be able to have a positive influence on society.”

H.M. King Felipe VI

The renowned yearly event has been held in cities including Washington D.C.; Miami, Florida; Santa Barbara, California; San Antonio, Texas; and Seville, Barcelona, Oviedo, and Bilbao in Spain and at each venue, the Forum has received dedicated support from local and regional institutions. The independent and non-partisan nature of the Forum has guaranteed continued backing from the governments that have come to power in both countries, as well as from the Spanish Royal Family.

The Forum is the principal platform for dialogue between the civil societies of Spain and the United States and, since it was first held in Seville in 1995, has proven to be useful in strengthening bilateral relations within a framework of public–private cooperation.

Strengthening relations between our two countries for over 25 years

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of this important event on our annual calendar, former Fundación presidents Jaime Carvajal, Antonio Garrigues Walker, José Ignacio Goirigolzarri, Juan Rodríguez Inciarte, Juan María Nin and José Manuel Entrecanales, and former honorary presidents of the United States – Spain Council, Governor Bill Richardson and U.S. Senators Bob Menéndez, Mel Martínez and Tim Kaine, reviewed the work of the United States-Spain Forums from their own personal experience and reflected on its present, its future and its value as a tool for strengthening relations between our two countries: