At the start of 2024, the King and Queen of Spain embarked on their first State Visit of the year to the Netherlands, visiting Amsterdam and The Hague. This trip marks the first State Visit to the Netherlands for King Felipe VI since he ascended the throne in 2014, and also the first one with Camilo Villarino as the head of the Royal House. The visit is taking place in a context of strong friendship between the two countries, with diplomatic relations intensifying across political, economic, commercial, civil, and cultural levels. Amidst the cooperation, one key area is in the energy sector, with a focus on promoting the use of green hydrogen in Europe.
Spain and the Netherlands signed an agreement in mid-2023 to enhance the use of green hydrogen in Europe, with a specific focus on creating a corridor to transport green hydrogen from Bilbao to Amsterdam. This project is part of a broader effort to reduce carbon emissions and move towards renewable energy sources in Europe. The initiative is seen as a step towards achieving energy independence, particularly important in the wake of geopolitical events such as the conflict in Ukraine and efforts to reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The development of green hydrogen is considered a strategic move by both countries and the European Union as a potential alternative to Russian gas.
In addition to economic relations, the State Visit includes a significant emphasis on business ties, with a forum bringing together 100 Spanish companies and their Dutch counterparts. The presence of high-profile Spanish businesses such as Inditex, Santander, and FCC highlights the importance of commercial partnerships between the two countries. Furthermore, the visit to The Hague is expected to involve political discussions, including meetings with Dutch government officials and participation in a colloquium on EU strategic autonomy and future prospects.
The historical ties between Spain and the Netherlands date back centuries, and despite a gap of 23 years since the last Spanish State Visit to the Netherlands, the relationship remains significant. Both countries are major economies in the European Union and share similarities as parliamentary monarchies with relatively young heads of state. The future of their respective monarchies also points towards a generational shift, with Princess Leonor and Princess Amalia poised to inherit their royal duties. Princess Amalia is expected to make her debut as the future queen of the Netherlands during a gala dinner hosted by her parents for King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia.
Overall, the State Visit to the Netherlands signifies a strengthening of ties between Spain and the Netherlands across various sectors and reflects the close relationship between the two countries. The focus on green hydrogen and economic cooperation, as well as the historical and cultural connections, underpin the importance of this visit in enhancing bilateral relations and promoting mutual interests. As Europe continues to navigate complex geopolitical challenges and transitions towards renewable energy sources, collaborations such as the one between Spain and the Netherlands on green hydrogen play a crucial role in shaping the future energy landscape of the continent.
