José Manuel Albares has served as Spain’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation since July 2021, and was reappointed to the position in November 2023. A career diplomat with a law degree from the University of Deusto, he has built an extensive career in international relations, with postings in Colombia and France, as well as at Spain’s Permanent Representation to the OECD, where he was elected Vice-Chair of the Development Assistance Committee. He has also served as Spain’s ambassador to France and Monaco and as Secretary-General for International Affairs, the European Union, the G20 and Global Security in the Office of the Prime Minister, acting as the Prime Minister’s sherpa at both the European Union and the G20.

Throughout his career, he has received numerous national and international distinctions, including the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic and the Grand Cross of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour.