NATO defence ministers meet in Brussels with their sights set on the upcoming Madrid Summit

Together with the defence ministers of Ukraine, Georgia, Sweden, Finland and EU High Representative Josep Borrell, the Allies will discuss the situation in Ukraine after nearly four months of war and the international response to the Putin regime's brutal aggression.

For Robles, "the unity and solidarity shown by NATO countries is proof of our commitment to peace and international order". In this context, and because of the importance of strengthening our institutions for the new European security and defence architecture that is emerging as a result of the crisis in Ukraine, the Minister for Defence wishes to highlight both Sweden's and Finland's application for NATO membership.

Within this framework, and to coordinate the support provided to Ukraine, a meeting of the Contact Group for Ukraine's Self-Defence is to be held, made up of more than 40 countries, including Spain. This US initiative and a similar EU initiative are key to effectively channelling and coordinating international assistance in a streamlined manner.

In connection with the new Strategic Concept, the ministers will discuss proposals to strengthen NATO's Defence and Deterrence Posture and the resources needed for the Alliance to continue to successfully fulfil its missions in the coming years.

The minister will also highlight Spain's commitment to strengthening NATO's Eastern Flank, to which Spain has contributed by increasing its ground presence in Latvia, strengthening air patrols in Bulgaria, Lithuania and soon Estonia, and increasing its presence and leading role in allied maritime groupings.

Robles will continue to argue that NATO's deterrence and defence must address 360-degree risks and threats, emphasising the importance of the southern flank, including space and cyberspace.

Non official translation