Could Spain and Portugal unite as one nation?

Friday 25 April 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Could Spain and Portugal unite as one nation?

Spain and Portugal share a rich tapestry of history, intertwined cultures, and a collective identity that stretches back centuries. However, the question of whether these two nations could ever merge into a single country remains a topic of debate. Recent polling indicates that some Spaniards may actually support this audacious notion.

The two Iberian neighbors boast commonalities such as exquisite cuisine, a passion for wine and seafood, a shared disdain for authoritarian regimes, and a vibrant celebratory spirit. Notably, they were once united under the Iberian Union from 1580 to 1640. Yet, the critical inquiry remains: is this enough to foster a modern-day union?

Historically, the idea of an Iberian federation has captivated the imaginations of luminaries like Portuguese poet Fernando Pessoa and Nobel laureate José Saramago. More recently, Spanish-Irish author Ian Gibson articulated this vision in his book Hacia la República Federal Ibérica: Reflexión y sueño de un hispanista irredento, or Towards the Iberian Federal Republic: Reflection and Dream of an Unredeemed Hispanist.

Proponents of the concept argue that a united federation would encapsulate the diverse identities within Spain and Portugal, creating an "Iberian soul" that honors both linguistic and cultural differences. Gibson himself expressed in an interview with El Diario that recognizing the peninsula as a singular entity could pave the way for a federation, fostering cultural bridges akin to a familial bond.

Recent polling by Electomanía reveals a surprising 74.4 percent of Spaniards support the idea of an Iberian union. Notably, regions adjacent to Portugal, such as Galicia and Extremadura, exhibited the strongest endorsements, likely due to their geographical and cultural affinities. Conversely, more inland regions like Castilla y León showed lower, albeit still majority, support.

Political affiliations reveal a divided landscape. Nationalist and regionalist parties such as ERC and BNG displayed considerable skepticism toward the union, with only 15.0 and 32.5 percent support respectively. In stark contrast, conservative parties like Vox and the Partido Popular showed overwhelming favor, with support rates of 73.6 and 80.3 percent.

Historically, the Iberian Union marked the first formal consolidation of the two kingdoms. This alliance lasted until the Portuguese Restoration War, when Portugal reclaimed sovereignty following a series of conflicts instigated by the imposition of higher taxes and diminished local governance.

Despite the passage of time, remnants of rivalry linger. Portuguese and Spanish citizens often indulge in playful mockery of one another. A 2016 study revealed that many Portuguese perceive Spaniards as maintaining an air of superiority, while a significant majority still regard Spain as their principal ally within the European Union.

The concept of a unified Iberian state may seem idealistic. Spanish journalist Davi Jiménez encapsulated this sentiment in a piece for the New York Times, suggesting that while the dream of a single state resurfaces periodically, it ultimately encounters the harsh realities of historical and cultural complexities.

As it stands, the focus for both nations appears to lean towards enhancing economic collaboration and fostering mutual understanding rather than pursuing a singular national identity. The journey ahead may not lead to unification, but the potential for a deeper partnership remains a tantalizing prospect for the future of the Iberian Peninsula.