The Chief of Defense presides the handover-takeover ceremony of NATO/EU Spanish Military Representative

• Vice-Admiral José María Núñez Torrente is the new Spanish representative to the NATO and EU Military Committees

The Chief of Staff (CHOD), Admiral Teodoro E. López Calderón, has presided over the handover-takeover ceremony of the Military Representative (MILREP) to the NATO and the EU in Brussels.

Vice-Admiral José María Núñez Torrente takes over the command from Lieutenant General Francisco Javier Fernández Sánchez, who was in the position since September 2021. Núñez Torrente was previously assigned Commander of the EUNAVFOR Operation ATALANTA until November 2023.

In his speech, the Spanish CHOD has highlighted the professional career of Vice-Admiral Núñez Torrente and has also claimed that the experience acquired will enable him to hold this new responsibility. ‘You come to this position at a time when a drastic change in the global geopolitical situation is taking place or has already been undergone. The western world, and consequently Spain is an active part, is immersed in a sort of new Cold War that is characterised by an attempt to transform the current international relations system based on democratic norms and values.’

Admiral López Calderón concluded his remarks by reiterating that the extensive and complete military career and experience in the international arena, both at NATO and European level, ‘make you the ideal person for this position and I am certain that, from your new responsibility, you will contribute to raising the prestige of Spain and its Armed Forces as an example of the fulfilment of duty and spirit of service’.

The ceremony was also attended by Spanish Generals and Admirals appointed at different General Headquarters in Belgium, as well as by diplomatic representatives of Spain, the EU and NATO.

Military Representative of Spain to the NATO and the EU

The MILREP’s main responsibilities are to represent the CHOD before the NATO and the EU Military Committees, as well as to watch over Spain’s interests before these Committees.

The MILREP also reports to the CHOD on matters under consideration in the Military Committees and on the decisions adopted in them. In addition, he cooperates with the permanent representatives to the North Atlantic Council, the European Union and the Political and Security Committee for military advice.