On October 28, the Atlantic Council’s Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security hosted a not-for-attribution strategy session with H.E. D. Pedro Morenés Eulate, Spanish minister of defense, to discuss the most pertinent security challenges facing Spain today as it examines its response in an age of defense budget austerity.

Spain is a strategically important actor for Europe and Alliance. Bordering the Mediterranean’s west and nearly touching northwestern Africa, Spain’s location and history as a European power make the need for a strong and smart defense very important. Issues discussed included Spain’s transatlantic defense role and its outlook for the 2014 Summit; Spain’s defense strategy for the near- to medium-term; and threats to Spain’s south. The session also touched upon cyber security training and capabilities. 

Minister Morenés was named minister of defense on December 21, 2011. Before this, from January to December 2011, he was the chairman of MBDA Spain and Segur Iberica. Previously, he was the chairman of the board of directors of “Construcciones Navales del Norte, SL” (Northern Naval Shipbuilding Ltd.) from 2009 to 2011. Finally, he served as the general secretary of the Businessmen Association from March 2005 to June 2010. 

This event is part of NATO Forum, a series of major public speeches and roundtable strategy sessions with ministers of defense and foreign affairs and top military commanders aimed at shaping the agenda for the NATO 2014 summit and defining the future strategic role of the Alliance.