MADRID - Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Wednesday called for protecting Europe from unfair tariffs and defended an international order based on cooperation and mutual benefit, "where justice prevails rather than the law of the strongest."

Speaking at an event in Madrid honoring the contributions of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Sanchez reaffirmed that the European Union (EU) will respond with "proportionality" to unfair trade measures. "It is time to protect Europe if we want a Europe that safeguards the most vulnerable, our young and elderly, our environment, agriculture, and businesses," he said.

He emphasized the need to recognize "the enormous gravity of the moment we are living in," pointing to geopolitical tensions, disruptions in raw material supplies, and shifts in demand caused by unfair tariffs as real threats. "They all share the same root cause: the questioning of economic openness and multilateral institutions in trade," Sanchez added.

Sanchez expressed confidence in a strong, unified EU with an "outstretched hand for dialogue and collaboration, in defense of a multilateral international trade system" that fosters opportunities for SMEs.