The Spanish Chief of Defence welcomes the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee on an official visit to Spain

• General Sean Clancy has been awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Naval Merit at the Defence Staff Headquarters

The Chief of Defence (JEMAD), Admiral General Teodoro E. López Calderón, has welcomed the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Sean Clancy, who is on an official visit to Spain.

General Clancy’s first engagement upon his arrival was a visit to the European Union Satellite Centre, located at Torrejón Air Base, accompanied by Vice-Admiral José Núñez Torrente, Spain’s Military Representative to the EU (MILREP). There, he had the opportunity to tour the facilities and learn about the work being carried out.

The military delegation then travelled to the Zarzuela Palace, where they were received by His Majesty King Felipe VI.

On the second day, General Clancy was received with honours at the Spanish CHOD Headquarters, where the Spanish CHOD awarded him the Grand Cross of the Order of Naval Merit.

Following the ceremony, they held a working meeting which was also attended by other General Officers from the Defence Staff.

The Chairman of the European Union Military Committee was also received at the Ministry of Defence headquarters by Minister Margarita Robles.

Tomorrow, Wednesday 17 June, he will travel to Rota, accompanied by the Chief of Defence, to visit the headquarters of Operation Atalanta, the European Union’s anti-piracy mission in the Indian Ocean.

On Thursday 18 June, he will conclude his official visit to Spain at the ‘San Gregorio’ Training Centre in Zaragoza, where he will attend a demonstration of the ‘Milex 26’ exercise, one of the European Union’s most significant.

The European Union Military Committee directs the planning and execution of the Union’s military missions and operations, advises the Political and Security Committee on defence-related matters and makes recommendations on military issues, as well as guiding the development of European military capabilities.