Relations between the Russian Federation and the European Union as Reflected by the Spanish Press in 2021

Abstract

The article deals with the image of Russia and its relations with the European Union as reflected by two Spanish newspapers in 2021. The content analysis covered twenty publications from The El Mundo and fiſty from The El Pais. The articles focus on the following topics: expulsion of diplomats, mutual accusations in espionage and disinformation, Nord Stream II, Satellite V, A. Navalny, Russia and Belarus, and the recent events in Ukraine. The official position of the European Union towards Russia oſten seems incoordinate. The bilateral relations between Russia and Spain receive little attention while evaluative statements made by European politicians about Russia create a negative and aggressive image of this country in the Spanish press.