- This stage in Slovakia brought together more than 270 participants of various nationalities.
Members of the Spanish military contingent deployed in Slovakia have completed a stage of the Way of St. James in Slovakia, linking the towns of Pezinok and the Marianka Shrine, the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in the country.
The Spanish soldiers were joined by colleagues from the rest of the NATO contingent stationed in the country, including Slovaks, Slovenians, Portuguese and Americans. The stage has also counted with the active participation of the Spanish embassy, the Spanish community living in the country and the Association of Friends of the Camino de Santiago in Slovakia. In total, more than 270 participants of more than 7 nationalities.
With this activity, the integration and coexistence between the Spanish and Slovak cultures was reinforced. This pilgrimage was a clear example of the spirit of unity and cooperation between different nations, as well as an opportunity to underline the value of solidarity and brotherhood.
Part of the Eastern European Way of St. James crosses several regions of Slovakia, including Kosice and Bratislava. This stage, which civilians and military personnel walked together, began in the south-western town of Pezinok. The route culminated at the Marianka shrine, the oldest Marian pilgrimage site in Slovakia, which has attracted pilgrims for almost 1,000 years. This location is a symbol of Marian devotion throughout Central Europe.
Among the pilgrims was the military chaplain of the Spanish contingent in Slovakia, Ángel Díez Bustos, who expressed his pride at seeing the joint participation of military personnel of various nationalities and civilians sharing such an enriching experience.
After arriving at the shrine, the bishop of the Slovak Armed Forces, Monsignor Frantisek Rábek, congratulated all those present for completing this stage of the Way of St. James. In his words, he stressed the importance of uniting and keeping alive our traditions in the country that has welcomed the Spanish and allied forces. Afterwards, a special mass was celebrated by the military chaplain, who was accompanied by Santiago, a Spanish priest who has been living in Slovakia for 23 years.
NATO's forward presence
NATO's military presence on the Alliance's Eastern Front is a key element of the Alliance's enhanced deterrence and defence commitment, which has grown in recent years to reflect the new security reality in the Euro-Atlantic area. NATO's forward presence of allied forces is defensive, proportionate, transparent and in line with the Alliance's international commitments and obligations.
NATO's forward presence comprises eight multinational battle groups, contributed by framework countries and other contributing Allies on a voluntary, fully sustainable and rotational basis.
NATO Allies' troops and personnel currently train and exercise together in the east of the Alliance, representing a strong expression of unity and solidarity. Forces from contributing countries rotate in and out of battle groups; they may be deployed in the area of operations or stationed in their home countries with the capacity to deploy rapidly if required.
Spanish participation in Slovakia
On 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the progressive deployment of personnel and capabilities to Slovakia. Spain is currently leading the formation of NATO's Multinational Brigade, and maintains a Multinational Battlegroup permanently deployed in the town of Lešť.
During the first half of 2024, Spanish forces have been deployed on the ground and are contributing to the deterrence and defence capabilities required by the Alliance. As of 01 July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces take command of the Alliance's Multinational Battle Group in this eastern flank country, taking over from the Czech Republic.
Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic will join this NATO effort in allied territory in Eastern Europe, which, under Spanish leadership, will complete the Battlegroup's deterrence and defence capabilities. Our country provides forces and capabilities to this mission as part of the commitments acquired with the International Security and Defence Organisations.
Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. This deployment of forces to support and reinforce NATO's forward presence on NATO's eastern flank demonstrates the firm commitment of Spain and its Armed Forces to our allies and Spain's determined contribution to the Alliance's deterrence efforts in Eastern Europe.