The IE Center for European Studies explores European security within NATO

On January 23, the IE Center for European Studies, in collaboration with the Spanish Atlantic Association, organized a debate titled “Challenges of European Security Within NATO.”

The event was moderated by Marie-José Garot, Professor at IE Law School and Director of the IE Center for European Studies.

The session began with an intervention by José María Peredo Pombo, Professor of Communication and International Politics at the European University of Madrid and author of the book World Order: Geopolitics, Trends, and Strategies. Peredo Pombo reflected on the meaning of the concept of order in the current geopolitical and defense context.

Following this introduction, a dynamic debate took place featuring prominent security and defense experts:

• Adolfo Menéndez Menéndez, President of the Spanish Atlantic Association.
• Ana Botella Gómez, Vice President of the Spanish Atlantic Association.
• Juan Rodríguez Garat, Admiral (Ret.).
• Francisco Javier García Arnaiz, General of the Air and Space Army (Ret.)

The discussion addressed key issues, including NATO’s achievements over its 75-year history and its relationship with the European Union; the impact of U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s new presidency on NATO-EU dynamics; and the feasibility of increasing member states’ contributions to up to 5% of GDP. Additionally, the debate explored the EU’s preparedness in the event of an armed conflict, with particular attention given to Spain’s position in this context.

Among the main conclusions, participants emphasized the need to promote a “culture of defense,” which is considered a crucial factor for the future of the EU and its member states.