The Spanish contingent of the NATO Multinational Brigade in Slovakia commemorates Spanish National Day

•  Spain, as the leading nation in the NATO mission in Slovakia, shares this celebration with allies and authorities

To mark Spain's National Day, Spanish military personnel serving in the Multinational Brigade Task Force Slovakia (MN BDE TF SVK) held a series of commemorative events, presided over by Brigadier General Alfonso Pardo de Santayana Galbis, head of the Multinational Brigade and the ‘Galicia’ VII BRILAT Brigade.

The event took place at Camp Riecky and included a solemn flag-raising ceremony, a field mass, a military parade—led by Colonel Ángel José Espiga Gómez, head of the MN BDE TF SVK—and a social gathering that brought together allied personnel and national and international civil and military authorities.

Among those in attendance were the Spanish Ambassador to Slovakia, Sofía Ruiz del Árbol Moro, the Head of the Multinational Division Centre, General Tibor Kralik, and representatives of the Slovak Armed Forces, as well as allied contingents deployed in the country on the eastern flank.

In his speech, General Pardo de Santayana referred to the dedication of the Spanish military personnel deployed in Slovakia, because ‘without your efforts, without your loyalty, Europe's security would be more fragile and Spain's dignity less visible. May your allies see in you what it means to be Spanish: sacrifice, dedication, loyalty and excellence.’

The National Day celebrations highlighted Spain's leadership as the framework nation for the NATO Brigade in Slovakia, as well as our country's firm commitment to collective defence and allied cohesion on the eastern flank of the Alliance. On the eastern flank of the Alliance, Spain's presence symbolises our country's willingness to contribute actively to European security and regional stability. Through their professionalism, discipline and spirit of cooperation, the Spanish Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to the Alliance's mission every day, strengthening mutual trust between nations and contributing decisively to deterrence and defence on Slovak territory.

Spanish participation in Slovakia

On 20 January 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces began the gradual deployment of personnel and capabilities in Slovakia. Spain is currently leading the formation of NATO's multinational brigade and maintains a multinational task force 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 capabilities required by the Alliance. Since 1 July 2024, the Spanish Armed Forces have taken command of the Alliance's multinational Task Force in this eastern flank country, relieving the Czech Republic.

Slovakia, Slovenia, Portugal and the Czech Republic have joined NATO's efforts in allied territory in Eastern Europe, complementing the Task Force's capabilities under Spanish leadership. Our country is providing forces and capabilities to this mission as part of its commitments to international security and defence organisations. Spain is a responsible partner and ally, committed to NATO's defence objectives. This deployment of forces in support and reinforcement of the 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.