Forty Years of Parliamentary Diplomacy

Abstract

The article describes the role played by Spanish diplomacy during the 40 years of constitutional trajectory. After explaining the historical emergence of this phenomenon and detailing some terminological terms, it looks at the evolution of Spanish parliamentary diplomacy in three periods: the return to the international scene (1977-1986), the expansion of inter parliamentary relations (1986-2010) and the consolidation (2010-). Throughout this time, the Cortes Generales have found new tools to establish relations with other parliamentary Assemblies and progresses have been made in terms of transparency, specialization and coordination with the executive branch, based on the principle of unity of the State’s external action. Likewise, the
article analyzes the impact of the crises undergone during recent years on the international activity conducted by the Spanish parliament. Finally, it includes some remarks on the geographical concentration of the Cortes Generales international activity, the need for the latter’s activity to have a more proactive nature, and the essential commitment with democratic values, which must inspire parliamentary diplomacy nowadays.