The Forum has been initiated by the Spanish and German governments. When the Federal President visited Madrid in 2002, it took place for the first time.
Within the European Union, the relationship between Spain and Germany is unique. Both are crucial economies in the European market, both have a special geographical position and both have a particular interest in European integration. For both countries as well, efforts to promote democracy and economic success are inextricably tied to Europe and the EU. Germany and Spain are important pillars of European culture and key players in the European market. The geographic locations of both countries are well suited to facilitating a strategic partnership and offer a solid foundation for collaborative efforts that further promote European integration.
The two nations thus have a critical role to play as intermediaries in economic, political and cultural affairs, especially in Latin America and the Mediterranean, but also in Central and Eastern Europe, including Russia. Europe's future role and its economic prosperity – including that of its citizens – will depend on having a coordinated, well-designed strategy for dealing with these regions, which are part of the European cultural sphere.
