Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez bestowed the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Civil Merit upon Francesca Albanese, the polarizing United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, on Thursday. This distinction ranks among Spain's most esteemed civilian accolades.

The event unfolded at Moncloa Palace, the prime minister's official residence in Madrid. The honor acknowledges Albanese's contributions to documenting alleged breaches of international law in Gaza, as noted in a Euractiv report.

Sanchez and Albanese both emphasized the vital role of upholding international law and preserving the autonomy of global institutions during the ceremony.

Sanchez commended her outspoken stance, particularly her condemnations of Israeli policies. He remarked that public accountability demands a moral duty to address injustices openly, portraying her as a vital voice for worldwide moral clarity.

Detractors, however, regard Albanese's depictions of world affairs as excessively biased. In her capacity as UN rapporteur, her vehement attacks on Israel have fueled significant backlash.

The United States has enacted sanctions against her, and countries including France and Germany have criticized her for allegedly stoking antisemitic attitudes.

Sanchez Presses EU to Defend Albanese Against Sanctions

Spain's engagement surpasses the award itself. Sanchez disclosed that he contacted European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, calling on the EU to safeguard Albanese and International Criminal Court officials from US sanctions operating within EU borders. He contended that such measures undermine essential pillars of global justice.

Euractiv indicated that Sanchez advocated for swift implementation of the EU's Blocking Statute to insulate European individuals and authorities from extraterritorial sanction effects. He is actively seeking backing from fellow EU nations for this effort.

This initiative reflects Sanchez's consistent opposition to Israel. He has sharply denounced Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, enforced a comprehensive arms embargo, and pressed for suspension of the EU's association agreement with Israel due to persistent international law infractions.