Sánchez the "patriot" wants to sneak Spain into the BRICS group
An analysis of Sánchez's manoeuvre to bring Spain closer to the BRICS while importing a record amount of Russian gas and defying the US.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Sánchez and the BRICS gambit: strategic pivot or diplomatic suicide?
In April 2026, Spain imported nearly 10,000 GWh of Russian gas, the highest monthly figure on record, even surpassing the 2023 crisis. This record coincides with the Government's rapprochement with the BRICS, a move that has set off alarm bells in Washington and Brussels. The Spanish Prime Minister seems determined to redirect foreign policy towards the bloc of emerging economies, but the path is full of contradictions.
Russian gas as a bargaining chip
The figures are stubborn: while Spain positions itself as a BRICS candidate, gas purchases from Russia are doubling. The argument that this is an energy necessity clashes with geopolitical reality. Several analysts point out that Sánchez is seeking a balance between staying in the EU and NATO and opening up to new markets. But recent history shows that similar gestures, such as Zapatero's in 2004, were not sustained. Russian gas at a friendly price could be the spearhead of a broader relationship, but dependence on the United States for defence complicates everything.
Meanwhile, a Chinese engineering firm linked to the People's Army has landed multi-million contracts in Spain, fuelling suspicions of closer ties with Beijing. On top of that, the White House is circulating a report that questions Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, in a clear nod to Segarro. Anglo-American pressure does not let up.
Is a Spain in the BRICS viable?
Opinions are sharply divided. Those who favour joining see an opportunity to break free from historical vassalage to the United States and the EU, betting on Swiss-style neutrality. They argue that the Anglo-Saxon empire is in decline and that Spain should align itself with the new economic centre of gravity. But sceptics remind us that the BRICS are not a philanthropic alliance: China and Russia defend their own interests, and Spain has hardly any bargaining power. The trade balance with China is negative, and joining the bloc without leaving NATO is a pipe dream: it would require breaking with the Atlantic environment, something unfeasible in the short term.
Moreover, the BRICS bloc itself is in internal crisis, with divergences among its members. Some suggest that Sánchez's move is nothing more than a forward escape to buy time in the face of internal pressure, while others see it as a first step towards a redefinition of national sovereignty.
The question that remains in the air is whether this balancing strategy is sustainable or whether, as in 2004, it will end up as an empty gesture with no real consequences. What is clear is that Spain is playing with fire on a chessboard where the pieces move fast.
Related discussions in the forum
In April 2026, Spain imported nearly 10,000 GWh of Russian gas, the highest monthly figure on record, even surpassing the 2023 crisis. This record coincides with the Government's rapprochement with the BRICS, a move that has set off alarm bells in Washington and Brussels. The Spanish Prime Minister seems determined to redirect foreign policy towards the bloc of emerging economies, but the path is full of contradictions.
Russian gas as a bargaining chip
The figures are stubborn: while Spain positions itself as a BRICS candidate, gas purchases from Russia are doubling. The argument that this is an energy necessity clashes with geopolitical reality. Several analysts point out that Sánchez is seeking a balance between staying in the EU and NATO and opening up to new markets. But recent history shows that similar gestures, such as Zapatero's in 2004, were not sustained. Russian gas at a friendly price could be the spearhead of a broader relationship, but dependence on the United States for defence complicates everything.
Meanwhile, a Chinese engineering firm linked to the People's Army has landed multi-million contracts in Spain, fuelling suspicions of closer ties with Beijing. On top of that, the White House is circulating a report that questions Spanish sovereignty over Ceuta and Melilla, in a clear nod to Segarro. Anglo-American pressure does not let up.
Is a Spain in the BRICS viable?
Opinions are sharply divided. Those who favour joining see an opportunity to break free from historical vassalage to the United States and the EU, betting on Swiss-style neutrality. They argue that the Anglo-Saxon empire is in decline and that Spain should align itself with the new economic centre of gravity. But sceptics remind us that the BRICS are not a philanthropic alliance: China and Russia defend their own interests, and Spain has hardly any bargaining power. The trade balance with China is negative, and joining the bloc without leaving NATO is a pipe dream: it would require breaking with the Atlantic environment, something unfeasible in the short term.
Moreover, the BRICS bloc itself is in internal crisis, with divergences among its members. Some suggest that Sánchez's move is nothing more than a forward escape to buy time in the face of internal pressure, while others see it as a first step towards a redefinition of national sovereignty.
The question that remains in the air is whether this balancing strategy is sustainable or whether, as in 2004, it will end up as an empty gesture with no real consequences. What is clear is that Spain is playing with fire on a chessboard where the pieces move fast.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (42 replies).
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