During his stay, Gen Brieger held fruitful discussions with the Spanish Minister of Defence, Margarita Robles, and with the Armed Forces General Staff. He also delivered a briefing to an international audience at the CESEDEN (Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional).

While in Spain, CEUMC took the opportunity to visit EUNAVFOR Atalanta OHQ, in Rota, and the EU SATCEN facilities, in Torrejón de Ardoz.

“I am very pleased with this wide-ranging, very productive visit. Spain is a relevant contributor to EU CSDP activities, indeed, and a firm supporter of the implementation of the Strategic Compass. The Spanish proposition to act as framework nation for the very first live exercise of our spearhead military tool, the Rapid Deployment Capability (RDC), has been warmly welcomed by all EU Member States. This exercise represents a key benchmark in reaching the Full Operational Capacity of the RDC, as requested by the Strategic Compass. With so many different aspects to consider for a new initiative, within a very tight timeline, it would be a challenging endeavour for anyone. I am confident that Spain will fulfil this goal at best, this coming autumn!” said General Brieger.

The visit to the Atalanta OHQ, complementing the one paid in Djibouti, last July 22, was the opportunity for CEUMC to personally confirm the amazing results achieved daily by this EU CSDP Operation. Congratulating the Commander, VADM Nuñez and his staff, Gen Brieger highlighted the impressive conduct of “15 years of successful multitasking operations and naval diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific region, for peace, stability and security.”

At the EU Satellite Centre, General Brieger received a full briefing and a tour of the facilities. “In 1992, when the SatCen was created, I was a young Officer, but already fully aware of the importance played by satellite services for a full situational awareness, for the best decision-making in planning and conducting military activities. EU daily military engagements rely heavily on satellites services, in achieving the mandates and protecting our forces. This is why the support provided by the EU SatCen to CSDP, around the globe, is priceless,” commented Gen Brieger at the end of the visit.