The Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies is hosting the 2nd Geopolitical Conference on the new international landscape

The Minister of Defence opened the conference, at which experts, institutional representatives and specialists in geopolitics, security and defence will address some of the major contemporary strategic challenges

The Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, accompanied by the Chief of Defence, Admiral Teodoro E. López Calderón, today opened the 2nd Geopolitical Conference ‘The International Order in Transition’, organised by the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies (IEEE), at the Royal Site of San Ildefonso (Segovia).

Over three days, experts, institutional representatives and specialists in geopolitics, security and defence will address some of the major contemporary strategic challenges, including energy security, resources and supply chains, as well as competition between powers, the evolution of international alliances, European strategic autonomy and the global impact of interconnected conflicts.

During her speech, the Minister of Defence stated that “this conference is an opportunity to foster a robust, thoughtful and committed debate on peace, multilateralism, respect for norms and international law”.

The opening address was then delivered by NATO’s Special Representative for the Southern Neighbourhood, Javier Colomina, under the title ‘The International Order in Transition: Fragmentation, Competition and Conflict’.

This opening day was also attended by the Director of the Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN), Lieutenant General Miguel Ballenilla; the Director of the IEEE, Brigadier General Víctor Bados; the former High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, Josep Borrell; the former Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ana Palacio; as well as other civil and military authorities.

Special session on Europe and international security

Among the round-table discussions and debates to be held during the conference, a special session will take place tomorrow under the title ‘Europe in the face of global competition: industry, security and strategic autonomy’, featuring the participation of Josep Borrell, Ana Palacio and Javier Colomina.

A forum for strategic analysis

The ‘2nd Geopolitical Conference 2026’ has established itself as a forum for reflection and analysis on the strategic challenges affecting Europe and Spain in an international context marked by the growing complexity and transformation of the global order.

The conference forms part of the activities promoted by CESEDEN, through the IEEE, aimed at the analysis, reflection and dissemination of knowledge on the main challenges of the international strategic environment.