CESEDEN Launches the Second Regional National Defense Course in Barcelona

 The second edition of this initiative brings together 40 representatives from different sectors of Catalan society with the aim of raising awareness of security and defence issues across various regions of Spain

The Higher Centre for National Defence Studies (CESEDEN) has launched the Second Regional National Defence Course (II CDNA) at the La Merced Barracks in Barcelona; this initiative aims to promote a culture of security and defence beyond Madrid and to foster understanding and dialogue between different sectors of society.

Following the first edition, held last year in Andalusia, the course is taking place this time in Catalonia and brings together 40 students from various sectors. Among them are regional parliamentarians, senior representatives of the Catalan Government, university lecturers, executives from the defence industry, media professionals, senior officers from the Armed Forces and the State Security Forces, as well as other prominent figures from Catalan society.

The course, which is classified as a Higher National Defence Studies programme, was opened by the director of CESEDEN, Lieutenant General Miguel Ballenilla y García de Gamarra.

Throughout the programme, students will attend lectures given by civilian and military speakers specialising in the field of security and defence. The training will be complemented by visits to military units and defence industry sites in Catalonia, giving participants an insight into the various capabilities, organisations and areas related to defence. 

The programme will also include a study trip to Brussels, where students will have the opportunity to visit NATO Headquarters, the European Parliament and Spain’s Permanent Representation to these international organisations.

Bringing the defence culture closer to society

With this second edition, CESEDEN is continuing a format that aims to bring knowledge of security and defence to different sectors of society and to encourage the exchange of perspectives between the institutional, academic, business, military and media sectors.