The Chief of Defence opens the 38th International Seminar on Security and Defence

• This year’s event, organised by the Association of European Journalists, is entitled ‘Allies and Threats’

The Chief of Defence (JEMAD), Admiral Teodoro E. López Calderón, today opened the 38th edition of the International Seminar on Security and Defence at the Parador de Toledo, entitled ‘Allies and Threats’.

During his address, the Spanish CHOD spoke of the efforts being made by the European Union to strengthen its security and defence pillar, promoting initiatives aimed at increasing defence investment and developing joint capabilities. The EU is committed to strengthening Europe’s defence industrial and technological base.

He also emphasised that the relationship between NATO and the EU should not be viewed in terms of competition but rather as one of mutual reinforcement.

The event, which will take place today and tomorrow, will be attended by, amongst others, Admiral Juan Francisco Martínez Núñez, Secretary-General for Defence Policy (SEGENPOL); General Carlos Javier Frías, Head of the Force Development Division of the Joint Defence Staff (General Staff Joint Command), General Víctor Bados, Director of the Spanish Institute for Strategic Studies, and Lieutenant General Fernando López del Pozo, Director-General for Defence Policy (DIGENPOL), as well as analysts and experts in security and international relations.

According to the organisers, the aim of this year’s seminar is to promote the exchange of ideas amongst experts from the Armed Forces, the media, academia, industry, and national and international institutions regarding the evolution of the international system, transatlantic tensions, the proliferation of conflicts, and the impact of new technologies on defence. The aim is to raise public awareness and strengthen the defence of democratic values, as well as to protect institutions and critical infrastructure.